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SNEALOGY

73.005

390

.24

PUBLIC LIBRARY
FORT WAYNE 4c ALLEN CO., INC

REFERENCE

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llft^nttiiSW.T,?, PUBLIC LIBRARY

3 1833 01747 7586

GENEALOGY

973.005

M27

1890

k^-24

JOHN O. WINSHIP,
Attorney and Counselor at Law,

Blackstone Block,
Telephone 2121. Cleveland, 0.

JUSTICE SIR WILLIAM BLACKSTONK, M. I1.

| After the painting by Gainsborough.]

MAGAZINE

AMERICAN HISTORY

WITH

NOTES AND QUERIES

ILLUSTRATED

EDITED BY MRS. MARTHA J. LAMB

VOL. XXIV

July — December, 1890

743 BROADWAY, NEW YORK CITY

Press of J. J. Little & Co.
Astor Place, New York..

CONTENTS

The Golden Age of Colonial New York Mrs. Martha J. Lamb. i

Sir William Blackstone and his Work Roy Singleton. 31

The Indian College at Cambridge Andrew McFarlane Davis, 33

Burgoyne's Defeat and Surrender Percy Cross Standish. 40

The Chief of the Miamis Hon. W. S. Robertson. 45

President Lincoln's Humor David R. Locke. 52

Our Relations to the Past a Debt to the Future Rev. Samuel E. Hertick, D.D. 54

Southampton, L.I. , in History Mrs. Martha J. Lamb. 62

The International Fair Chauncey M. Depew. 66

Defense of Rhode Island Gen. Horatio Rogers. 63

Notes, Queries, and Replies 70, 148, 230, 323, 401 , 47S

Societies 73, 154, 404, 482

Historical and Social Jottings 75, 156, 237

Book Notices 78, 157, 238, 326, 406, 484

Historic Houses and Revolutionary Letters . Robert Ludlow Fowler. 81

Glimpses of Log-Cabin Life in Early Ohio Emanuel Spencer. 101

The Blue and Beautiful Narragansett Clement Ferguson. 112

The True Story of an Appointment Richard Selden Harvey. 115

Major-General Ebenezer Stevens Mrs. Martha J. Lamb. 120

Pleasure Parties in the Northwest Forty Years Ago Roy Singleton. 123

The French-Canadian Peasantry Dr. Prosper Bender. I. T26 ; II. 291 ; III. 365

Our Beloved Flag. A Poem Hon. Horatio King. 137

The Edict of Nantes. A Poem . . . . , Rev. Charles S. Vedder, D.D. 139

Prospectus of the First American Edition of Shakespeare's Works 140

Sixty Waymarks in the World's Progress Vinton Reade. 142

Exercises in American History 143

Original Documents 145, 224, 321, 475

Unpublished Letters of Zebulon Butler 145

Unpublished Letter of Lyman Hall and Nathan Brownson 146

The Two Croton Aqueducts in New York City, 1842, 1890 Mrs. Martha J. Lamb. 161

The Self-made Lord Timothy Dexter Emanuel Spencer. 171

The Rifle in Colonial Times Horace Kephart. 179

The Deacon's Wooing. A Poem Henry F. King. 192

Judge Amasa J. Parker . Mrs. Martha J. Lamb. 197

The Battle of Queenstown Heights, Oct. 13, 1812 .John Eraser. 203

Dead Man's Island and the Ghost Ship D. Turner. 212

A Sunday in the Olden Time, Manchester, Mass Rev. D. F. Lamson. 214

Linked with Shakespeare Professor G. Brown G'oode. 219

General Grant George IV. Childs. 220

Corrections of Historical Errors ■ Hon. Charles Aldrich. 223

Unpublished Letter of John Hancock 224

1,0^ V\

iv • CONTENTS

PAGE

Letter of Levi Munsell. Ohio Lands 224

Unpublished Letters of Mary and Martha Washington 227

Unpublished Letter of Robert Morris . 228

Sources and Guarantees of National Progress Rev. Richard S. Storrs, D.D. 241

The American Flag and John Paul Jones Prof. Theodore W. Dwight, LL.D. 269

Southold and her Historic Homes and Memories Mrs. Martha J. Lamb. 273

The Historic Temple at New Windsor, 1783 Hon. /. 0. Dykman. 2S3

Extracts from the Private Diary of Gen. Sir Frederick Haldimand . 287

The Mountains and Mountaineers of Craddock's Fiction Milton T. Adkins. 305

Anecdote of Gen. Grenville M. Dodge Hon. Charles Aldrich. 310

The Story of Roger Williams Retold - H. E. Banning. 312

Antiquarian Riches of Tennessee. Gates P. Thruston. 319

Correspondence Respecting Durand's Picture of the Capture of Major Andre 321

Divine Drift in Human History Rev. Charles H. Park hurst, D.D. 329

America's Outgrowths of Continental Europe Mrs. Martha J. Lamb. 237

Characteristic Order of Gen. Winfield Scott Hon. Charles Aldrich. 352

The "Puritan Birthright Nathan M. Hawkes. 354

The Action at Tarrytown, 1781 Dr. R. B. Coutant. 358

Revolutionary Newburgh. A Poem: Rev. Edward J. Runk. 382

The Library of a Philadelphia Antiquarian E. Pozuell Buckley. 388

The Literature of California Hubert Howe Bancroft. 399

The Ancient Town of Fort Benton, Montana Hiram M. Chittoiden. 409

David Hartley and the American Colonies .Joseph W. Hartley. 42b

The Institution of Thanksgiving Day, 1623 .Jacob Harris Patton, A.M., Ph.D. 445

La Salle's Homestead at Lachine John Eraser. 447

Rev. Benjamin Tappan. A Typical Old-time Minister, 1720-1790 Rev. D. F. Lamsofi. 452

Glimpses of Early Michigan life. In and About Kalamazoo Mary V. Gibbs. 457

Our Old Webster's Spelling-Book Rev. A. M. Colton. 465

Some Literary Statesmen . . .Milton T. Adkins. 467

President Garfield's Silent Journey, July, 1881. 473

Camp Life in Kansas Twenty Years Ago Elizabeth B. Custer. 474

A Merry Christmas for the Household. Poems Mrs. Martha J. Lamb. 476

Unpublished Letter of Thomas Jefferson 477

Unpublished Letter of Gen. Philip Schuyler 477

Unpublished Letter of Cadwallader D. Colden 479

ILLUSTRATIONS

PAGE

Portrait of Sir William Blackstone I

Universal Monarchy Caricatured, 1755 2

The Garden Street Church, New York City 7

The North Dutch Church, New York City 9

Portrait of Myles Cooper , 11

Methodist Church, John Street, New York City r5

Fresh Water Pond, Centre Street, New York City 24

Portrait of Maj. Gen. Ebenezer Stevens 81

Homestead of Col. Thomas Ellison on the Hudson, Washington's Headquarters 83

Portrait of Col. Thomas Ellison 85

Stone House of Col. Thomas Ellison. Gen. Knox's Headquarters 87

Rear view of the Home of Col. Thomas Ellison 89

Portrait of Col. Thomas Ellison the Third 93

Portrait of Joel Barlow. 103

Log Cabin in Ohio " 104

Cincinnati in 18 10 107

Portrait of Judge Amasa Parker 161

The Croton Water Celebration in New York City, 1842 163

Facsimile of the Music of the Croton Ode 165

Massachusetts Loan Certificate, 1790 173

The Palace of Lord Timothy Dexter, Newburyport '. 174

Portrait of Lord Timothy Dexter 175

Facsimile of Page of ' ' Pickle for the Knowing Ones " 177

Portrait of Rev. Richard S. Storrs, D.D 241

The Old Moore House, Southold,. L. I 273

First Church, Southold , 275

Barnabas Horton House, Southold 276

Street Scene in Southold, 1890 277

Soldiers' Monument, Southold 278

House of Benjamin L'Hommedieu, Southold 279

The Historic Temple at New Windsor, New York, 1783 283

Portrait of Rev. Charles H. Parkhurst, D.D 329

Towing Through the Ice, 1600 339

Map of Hudson Bay and Vicinity, 1748 341

Portrait of Prince Rupert 343

Portrait of James Grahame, Marquis of Montrose 344

Portrait of Blanche, Baroness Arundel of Wardour 345

Portrait of Sir George Simpson 347

A War Canoe of New Zealand, 1769 348

Portrait of Captain James Cook 349

Portrait of General Santa Anna 351

VI ILLUSTRATIONS

PAGE

Portrait of David Hartley 409, 432

Rainbow Falls, Upper Missouri River 411

Ancient Town of Fort Benton, Montana 413

Missouri River Steamboat 415

Facsimile of the Signatures to the Definite Treaty of Peace 426

Facsimile of Title Page of Hartley's Letters on the American War. 429

Facsimile of the Last Page of Hartley's Letters on the American War 431

MAGAZINE OF AMERICAN HISTORY

Vol. XXIV JULY, 1890 No.

THE GOLDEN AGE OF COLONIAL NEW YORK*

YOU will for the next half hour, dear readers, graciously consider
yourselves under kingly rule.

The step backward will be comparatively easy, as you have not of late
escaped being well drilled in whatever concerns the century since 1789 ;
and you need not pause in crossing the troubled waters of the Revolution,
since you have measured their depths long ere this. You are invited into
a field that has the advantage of newness, few writers having attempted
to scale the wall which fences our nationality from the near beyond — ex-
cept for material to illustrate the war. I have no such purpose in view.
For once politics will be entirely ignored and, with the causes leading to
and the various events resulting in American independence, relegated tem-
porarily to the school-boy.

Our present concern is with certain situations and phases of actual life
in New York a little before the cloud-burst which deluged the country
with battles.

You are admonished not to look with modern eyes and notions upon
the picture I shall sketch. You are supposed to be within the charmed
confines of a former age. The future is not revealed to you. The scenes
you contemplate are those which actually exist at the time, and you are
without any possible knowledge of coming events. No one whom you
meet will venture to predict — unless ready for incarceration as a lunatic —
that the day will ever arrive when an audience assembled in a stately hall
four or five miles above the Battery, in New York, can listen to the music
of an opera in progress in Albany, or to " Yankee Doodle" played on a
violin in Boston.

The expression or term " The Golden Age of Colonial New York " has
been generally understood to refer to a period about the middle of the
eighteenth century. Judge Jones pins it to the year 1752, saying : " The

* Paper written by request, and read by the author before the New York Historical Society at
its regular meeting on the 6th of May, 1890.

THE GOLDEN AGE OF COLONIAL NEW YORK

UNIVERSAL MONARCHY CARICATURED IN 1755, LONDON, ENGLAND.

[Published by act 0/ Parliament.}

THE GOLDEN AGE OF COLONIAL NEW YORK 3

colony was extending its trade, encouraging the arts and sciences, and
cultivating its lands. Great Britain was at peace with the world. New
York was in its happiest state ; all discord had ceased, parties were for-
gotten and animosities forgiven. We had no foreign or domestic enemy."
But we know that those fair skies were presently overcast, and that Eng-
land and France were soon fighting again on our soil, more determined
than ever each to conquer the other. Not until 1763 did they agree upon
final terms of peace. Then came the Stamp Act and its riotous and dis-
astrous consequences. Immediately after the repeal of the Stamp Act in
1766, New York began to hold up her head in self-gratulation, and took her
first real holiday in domestic tranquillity. It was then that money com-
menced to flow in all sorts of channels, and riches, long hoarded, came
into prominent view. Houses were built with the rapidity of magic, so to
speak, industries bristled with new life, merchants patched extensions
upon their warehouses or built new ones, everything old was mended,
and fresh paint took a mad race through the length and breadth of the
town. Improvements of a public character were projected — in no instance
lacking for funds ; and in less than two years four expensive churches
were erected and as many as three others extensively enlarged. By this
time colonial New York was really in her brightest blaze of glory, and
the three or four years following 1766 may well be designated the " Golden
Age." For the grouping in the present picture I have chosen the year
1768.

As we enter the New York of that date, let us pause a moment on the
threshold for a preliminary view. We seem to have come to an odd-look-
ing, overgrown village. The principal street, Broadway, has been opened
only to Reade street — ^beyond which are gardens and green fields — but it
is beautified with rows of luxuriant shade-trees on each side through its
entire length, and it is kept scrupulously clean. The other streets are
short and irregular, although not so crooked as the streets of Boston.
There is one street however which has a very remarkable bend, about
which we hear romantic stories. It was laid out, they say, by the city
cows. In passing back and forth to their pastures they avoided eminences
and other obstructions like sensible cows, by going round them. The
earliest road that was projected in that direction followed the cow-path.
The street is only that old road exaggerated. We find the town full of
reminiscence, for the New York of 1768 is already over a hundred and fifty
years old. When we ask why there is such a curious display of big and
little buildings — such a jumble of churches, fashionable dwellings, markets,
blacksmith shops, stores, taverns, and great warehouses — a negro butler of

4 THE GOLDEN AGE OF COLONIAL NEW YORK

ready information replies : " Dat am 'cause it were built wid so many
languages : da got all mixed up, an' couldn't 'spress de distances in up
an* down to be understandable to each oder."

As we look closer the prospect becomes more distinct. The houses do
not all stand with the gable end to the street, as some historians would
have us believe. There are several antique mansions of costly character,
the building materials for which were imported, and there are numerous
later homes modeled from the best domestic architecture of Europe. On
the western side of Broadway is the city hotel, an immense structure,
formerly the dwelling-house of the De Lancey family, which has a spacious
hall where dancing assemblies, concerts, and famous banquets are given,
and which commands from its rear windows and balconies one of the finest
views known of the Hudson river. Trinity church is just below, separated
from the sidewalk by a painted picket-fence, and presenting a quaint semi-
circular chancel to the street. From its rear rises a famous steeple one
hundred and fifty feet high. Wall street, in front of Trinity church, con-
nects Broadway with the East river, the first object of note seen in
it being the stately stone-steepled Presbyterian church bronzed with the
smoke of half a century, effectively guarding a little grave-yard between its
entrance and the sidewalk. Below Trinity, in Broadway, is a small structure
that but for a queer belfry would never pass for a house of worship to
stranger eyes. Yet it is the Lutheran church, almost three-score and ten
years old. Back of it is the English school established by Trinity, and op-
posite is the school-house of W. Elphinstone, one of the most accomplished
teachers in the city.

From here to the Bowling Green (on the west side) Broadway is lined
with a superior class of private dwellings. Some of these have stately
aspect, as for instance the two built together with one front belonging to
the Van Cortlandts of Kingsbridge, illustrated in a former article in this
magazine ; that of John Stevens next below, whose wife is the sister of
Lord Stirling; and the home of Judge Robert R. Livingston of the
supreme court, whose brilliant sons and daughters (the older ones are al-
ready leaders in society) form a merry and interesting household ; his son
Robert R., the future chancellor, is now twenty-two years of age and is
paying court to the lovely daughter of his next-door neighbor, John
Stevens. The Watts and the Kennedy mansions, standing side by side, are
as effective in style as any houses of the period on this continent. The
parlors of the latter are fifty feet long, opening upon a rear piazza large
enough for a cotillion party, and the dining-room is gorgeously magnificent
in its appointments. The grounds of all these Broadway houses extend

THE GOLDEN AGE OF COLONIAL NEW YORK 5

to the river's edge, and are cultivated in terraces and filled with fruits and
flowers. The household servants are chiefly negro slaves, and the manner
of living is in strict accord with the aristocratic notions of the age.

The eastern side of Broadway is occupied with a variety of small houses
and stores — but looking north from the Bowling Green we see little else
save the grand old shade-trees leaning toward each other from both sides
of the way almost forming an arch overhead, crowned by the steeples of
Trinity and the Wall-street church.

Fort George at the Bowling Green is a special attraction silently assur-
ing us that it can mount sixty cannon on short notice for the defense of
the harbor. It contains what foreigners call " the palace of the gover-
nor." Sir Henry Moore now resides here, and maintains the same forms
in his domestic arrangements that are customary among the men of his
class in England. His table is supplied constantly with the choicest dishes,
which are served with as much ceremony as under any nobleman's roof.
The office of the secretary of the province is near the gate of the fort,
and in front of the Bowling Green, on the east, is the residence of Sir
Edward Pickering, baronet.

Whitehall street contains numerous dwellings of the better class;
this quarter is considered the court end of the town. The home of Hon.
David Clarkson is upward of twenty-five years old, and is called by the
newspapers " an ornament to the city ! " Its works of art, extensive library,
costly china,, and silver plate are choice importations from Europe. The
fine homes in Dock street, the southern part of Queen (later Pearl) street,
are quite pretentious in appearance, with deep balconies overlooking the
bay. Hugh Wallace, one of the counselors of the governor, lives here,
and no one gives better dinners or more popular entertainments. He
and his brother Alexander married sisters of Isaac Low, whose house is
also here, and the families are on terms of great intimacy. John Adams
describes Isaac Low as " a gentleman of fortune, and in trade, whose
wife is a beauty." At the corner of Dock and Broad streets is the old
Fraunces tavern, now kept by Bolton & Sigell, under the sign of the
" Queen's Head," who announce that "gentlemen may depend on receiv-
ing the best of usage. Dinners and public entertainments provided at
the shortest notice. Breakfasts in readiness from 9 to 1 1 o'clock. Jellies
in the greatest perfection, also rich and plain cake sold by the weight."

Broad street is extremely pleasant, its shade almost as refreshing as
that of Broadway, and the most of its houses are large and roomy. The
ancient town-house of Robert, third proprietor of Livingston manor, is
here. His brother Peter Van Brugh Livingston lives in Princess street,

6 THE GOLDEN AGE OF COLONIAL NEW YORK

close by ; his brother Philip Livingston, whom you do not yet know as
the " signer," since there has been nothing remarkable to sign, lives in
Duke street, and his daughter, the wife of the young patroon, Stephen Van
Rensselaer, is visiting him ; another brother, John Livingston, who has
married a De Peyster, lives handsomely in Pearl street, and still another
brother, William Livingston, a leading lawyer and politician, lives in Pine
street. Lord Stirling's home is a great, hospitable-looking mansion in
Broad street, alongside the residence of General Gage, commander-in-chief
of the army. The wife of Lord Stirling is the sister of these numerous
Livingston brothers, and Peter Van Brugh Livingston's wife is Lord
Stirling's sister. Robert Cambridge Livingston, whose middle name is
adopted as a distinction from having graduated at Cambridge University,
England, lives in Dock street, among the grandees ; his next-door neigh-
bor is Robert Gilbert Livingston, grandson of Gilbert, second son of the
founder of Livingston manor, whose sister Catharine is the wife of John
Reade, for whom Reade street is named.

The house of Augustus Van Home fronts Princess street. The Law-
rences and the Ludlows are his neighbors. There are plenty of little
stores and workshops everywhere, and the Garden-street church, just out
of Broad street, in Garden alley, seems to be trying to look them severely
out of countenance for their temerity. When this church was built,
seventy-five years ago, it was in the middle of a beautiful garden, laid out
with bordered walks and fragrant with many flowers. It is oblong in
shape, and on the panes of glass in its windows are the coats of arms of
the principal families who have from time to time worshiped within its
walls. The tower is so large that the consistory meets in it. Business
has crept very near it now, and " cross-cut saws, door locks, Dutch tea-
kettles, brass scales, chamber bellowses, and beer mugs," hang out as
signs, totally devoid of reverence.

Hanover square is the principal business centre. Many good families
occupy rooms over the stores. On the corner of Sloat lane, in Hanover
square, is the very handsome home of Gerard W. Beekman. His brother,
James Beekman, has recently built the fine country mansion on the East
river, four miles from town. The sister of these Beekmans is the wife of
William Walton, who built in 1752 the princely dwelling in Franklin
square, at the end of the Queen street road. It is English in design and its
walls as substantial as those of modern churches, while its gardens extend
to the East river. The lower part of Queen street (before we reach that
portion called Dock street) is dotted with elegant-looking mansions and
shaded with fine trees. This street was built up much earlier than Broad-

THE GOLDEN AGE OF COLONIAL NEW YORK

way, and some of its houses have
nearly three-fourths of a century,
mansion is an example, now owned
Hon. Henry White, one of the rich
city. Its grounds cover a block or
house and stable in the rear. In the
away is the town-house of Andrew
the port, the city home of the Bre-

stood the storms of
The old De Peyster
and occupied by
merchants of the
more, with coach-
same street not far
Elliot, collector of
voorts with its lilies
and roses in the
front yard, that of

THE GARDEN-STREET CHURCH, BUILT 1693.

the mayor, Whitehead Hicks, who has married the only daughter of John
Brevoort, the great square house of Elias Desbrosses, and the unique
dwelling with a peaked roof of one of the Van Zandts.

Wall street is just beginning to be considered the choicest place for
private residences, and property has taken a bound upward in value.
The Marstons have built a large double brick house there, the Van Horns
are outdoing them in architectural display, and Charles McEvers lives in
a gorgeous new mansion corner of William street — his wife is a Verplanck,

8 THE GOLDEN AGE OF COLONIAL NEW YORK

one of the heirs of the Damen estate which a hundred years ago con-
sisted of a flourishing farm covering the whole distance between Wall
street and Maiden lane. Samuel Verplanck is building a large house near
the city hall, on the old property, and the Cuylers, Startins, Roosevelts,
and other people of fashion have moved into the street. The two lofty
churches cast their shadows over all, and the lordly officers of the govern-
ment pass in and out of the capitol building of the colony, investing the
locality with great dignity and interest. An unsightly object at the foot
of Wall street is hidden from view by the handsome trees. For more
than half a century a slave-mart has existed, where the traffic in negroes
has been as conspicuous from day to day as the buying and selling of
potatoes. It is on record that in 1762 the Wall-street residents heroically
complained of this slave-mart as a public nuisance. But the good people
never thought of asking that it should be abolished ! They simply pe-
titioned for its removal to some other part of the city.

The first newspaper you take up contains the following advertisement :
" New negroes ; men, women, boys and girls ; just imported. To be sold,
cheap for cash. By James Sackett, in the main street, near the Fly
Market."

Wall street divested of this blemish is irresistibly fascinating. Its
signs of promise in 1768 are not remarkable — there is no suggestion of
its prospective overleaping its natural limits to plant towns, cities, and
railroads in every part of the continent. But it touches the past. We
can almost see the brush fence marking its site, built in the previous
century to keep the bears and Indians out of the pastures below, where
the cattle grazed, and which stood for nine years, until the wooden wall
took its place from which the street was named. These reminiscences
serve to convince us that the world moves — that nothing stands still.
For many decades all there was of the little city of New York lay be-
tween this wall and the Battery, and it was during that period that Mr.
Houghton, from the platform of the New York Historical Society at one
of its late meetings, conducted his audience through the streets of New
York on foot, to prove in the most conclusive manner that carriages were
then an unnecessary extravagance.

Great changes have indeed occurred. The city has pushed over the
wall, leaped its site, and spread fully as far to the north as its extent south
of Wall street. From one of the tall steeples you can see its outline to the
north marked by four church edifices, standing like ecclesiastical outposts
on the frontiers — St. George's chapel, in Beekman street ; the New Brick
church, first opened at the beginning of 1768, opposite the green, or " in-

THE GOLDEN AGE OF COLONIAL NEW YORK

tended common," at Beekman street
year old ; and the North Dutch
nearly completed at a cost of $60,-
architectural pretensions.

One needs no better evidence of
community than such lavish outlay

New York is not compactly built,
street and the common, but the
are more or less scattered, there are
houses with yards and shrub-
bery about them, and there are
fine churches, monster sugar-
houses, and flat-looking mar-
kets. The ugliest of the latter
stands in the middle of Broad-
way, at Liberty street. There
are three newspapers published
in the city, weeklies, two of
which appear every Monday
and the other on Thursday,

St. Paul's chapel, in Broadway, one
church, in Fulton street,
000, the rival of St. Paul's in

the material prosperity of a
for religious uses,
however, between Wall
buildings, large and small,
some pretty new dwelling-

THE NORTH DUTCH CHURCH, IN FULTON STREET.

10 THE GOLDEN AGE OF COLONIAL NEW YORK

each containing (so they announce) " the freshest advices, foreign and
domestick." The city of 1768 has one theatre, a little red wooden build-
ing in John street, and it has a college " for the study of polite literature."
This seat of learning arrests our attention. It is called King's college
and it is the pride of the town. It stands on the shore of the Hudson,
between Murray and Barclay streets, surrounded by a wide stretch of pic-
turesque pastoral scenery. The structure is only about one-third of its
intended size, and, in the language of a contemporary, "is an elegant stone
edifice, three complete stories high, with four staircases, twelve apart-
ments in each story, a chapel, a hall, a library, a museum, an anatomical
theatre, and a school for experimental philosophy."

A high fence surrounds the building, inclosing also a large court and
garden. A porter attends at the front gate, which is locked at nine
o'clock at night in the winter and ten in the summer, after which hour
the names of all those who come in are duly reported to the president.
All students except those of medicine are obliged to lodge and diet in
the college unless they are particularly exempted by the president.

The matter of college diet becomes interesting with the actual bill of
fare in hand, prepared by the college faculty. The learned Dr. George H.
Moore has recently published it entire in a brochure on Columbia College,
and it is appetizing to note that tea or coffee and bread-and-butter are
served to the young men every morning for breakfast, that they have
roast beef and pudding for dinner on Sundays, corned beef and mutton
pye for dinner on Thursdays, and fish on Saturdays, with dishes equally
distracting to scholars on the other days of the week. Suppers the year
round are of bread-and-butter and possibly cheese — or the remainder of
dinner.

The pupils of this new college are instructed in mathematics, natural
philosophy, astronomy, geography, history, chronology, rhetoric, natural
law, physic, logic, ethics, metaphysics, Hebrew, Greek, Latin, modern lan-
guages, belles-lettres, and whatever else tends to accomplish them as gen-
tlemen. Annexed to the college is a grammar school for the preparation
of those who wish to take a full course. The medical department an-
nounces in the newspapers a course of anatomical lectures for the current
year, the first part exhibiting " the system of Dry Bones." This is prob-
ably the first introduction of dry bones into a lecture course.

We are just in time to attend the annual commencement exercises of
the college on May 17, 1768. It is a legal holiday — business is suspended
throughout the city. The morning dawns with fair skies and the atmos-
phere is cool and beguiling. Handsomely dressed people are out early,

THE GOLDEN AGE OF COLONIAL NEW YORK

^^^^^^g

gentlemen in black satin small-clothes, white
or yellow embroidered satin vests, and velvet
or cloth coats of every color in the rainbow.
Their shoes are fastened with gorgeous
buckles and their heads crowned with pow-
dered wigs and cocked hats. It is a note-
worthy fact to be remembered that gen-
tlemen in going to dinners or the theatre
in full dress often carry their hats in their
hands in order not to disturb their curls —
but they are generally on their heads in
the morning. The ladies are ornamental in
their attire, but it is an age when they
do not surpass the gentlemen. They wear
the richest of silks and satins of brightest
colors, the court hoop is in vogue, and
the hair and the hat rise on the top of the head to a marvelous height.

The centre of attraction this morning is St. Paul's chapel, recently
finished in the most expensive and ornate manner. It is filled with
an intensely fashionable and appreciative audience. The streets along
the line of the procession are thronged early. Finally the college gate
swings ajar, and the president, the professors, and the students appear,
all in their robes, and march solemnly with measured step through
Murray street — a mere country road and a trifle dusty — which has a
grassy pathway on one side, and turning into Broadway the procession
passes down under the row of trees in full leaf to St. Paul's. The young
president of the college, Rev. Myles Cooper, looks hardly thirty-three, but
that is his exact age. He was sent over from England six years ago
to assist the aged Dr. Johnson, first president of the institution, and the
following year, Dr. Johnson resigning, he was installed president. He
had been chosen by the sagacious and accomplished prelate, Archbishop
Seeker, who considered him very bright" and promising. He had already
received the degree of master of arts from Oxford university, in England,
where he had won a fine reputation for classical learning. He from the
first took a spirited interest in the affairs of the young college, and won
the esteem and confidence of the older professors and of the clergy of the
city. Before his coming, however, while he was on the ocean, consterna-
tion seized the governors of the college with a fatal grip, for the new pro-
fessor was not only a very young man, but a bachelor. Therefore they
added this codicil to their code of laws : " Resolved, that no woman, on

12 THE GOLDEN AGE OF COLONIAL NEW YORK

any pretext whatever (except a cook), be allowed to reside within the col-
lege for the future, and that those who are now there be removed as
soon as conveniently may be."

Judging from the portrait of President Cooper which adorns the library
of the New York Historical Society, the precaution may not have been
overwhelmingly necessary. But if not dangerously handsome, the young
president was witty, well-informed, and something of a poet. Before
coming to America he had written all sorts of verses — including some very
dull stanzas on sacred themes — and printed a volume which he circulated
among his friends. He was socially inclined, and an active member of a
literary club which mixed up a little literature with a great deal of
hilarity.

The graduates at this commencement interest us. Benjamin Moore
comes first, a fine-looking youth of twenty, who is to distinguish himself
in the years to come as rector of Trinity church, bishop of the diocese,
and president of this very college. Gouverneur Morris follows, a tall
stripling of sixteen, whose sense of humor combined with perfect self-con-
fidence renders his features a curious study. He has a natural gift for
declamation, which in part accounts for his having been chosen to deliver
the graduating address for the class. It is entitled " Wit and Beauty,"
and it wins immense applause, despite its Latinisms and stilted phrases
and the fact that no one present suspects him as a possible candidate
for future greatness. John Stevens is the next in order ; age nineteen ;
walks erect, with eyes drooping as if in deep thought ; he is the son of
John Stevens, whose house we have seen in lower Broadway, and is
destined to pass into history as one of the great inventors of the age.
Gulian Verplanck, of the same age as Stevens, belongs to one of the old-
est families in the city, whose ancestral acres north of Wall street have
already been mentioned. There are honors in store for him in public
affairs. James Ludlow is his chum, a thin, graceful, blue-eyed youth of
tranquil manners, who belongs to another family of age and influence,
descended from the oldest gentry in Great Britain. One of the Ludlows,
Carey, has just bought a lot in State street, fifty-two feet front, extending
through to Pearl street in the rear, for which he has paid some $5,000,
and wishing to beautify the locality before building his contemplated
mansion, has ordered three hundred trees planted along the street and on
the Battery. The oldest member of the class is Peter Van Schaack,
something over twenty-one. He is the hero of a pretty romance, having
been privately married during his junior year in college to Elizabeth, the
beautiful daughter of Henry Cruger, greatly to the annoyance of both

THE GOLDEN AGE OF COLONIAL NEW YORK 1 3

families when the fact became known. There was no objection to the
young man, who possessed elements that were to develop him into a suc-
cessful lawyer ; and the wrath that was kindled finally burned out, and
the bridal pair obtained full pardon. Charles Doughty, a promising
scholar, and John Beardsley, who is preparing for the ministry, complete
the list. Beardsley receives the degree of M.A., as do two of the grad-
uates of 1765 — Egbert Benson, the first president of the New York Histo-
rical Society, and Robert R. Livingston, the future chancellor.

The degree of M.D. is conferred by the president on the professors of
medicine in the college — Peter Middleton one of the famous physicians
of his generation, Samuel Clossy, John Jones, who won celebrity as a sur-
geon in the French war and will figure later on as the physician of
Washington, and Samuel Bard who, fresh from the study of medicine in
Europe, in 1767 founded this school of medicine. In these modest be-
ginnings there is no possible forecast of what will be said in 1890, that
" more men are studying medicine and the hundred sciences in New
York than in any other two cities of our country combined." Two elegant
silver medals are brought in and publicly presented to Benjamin Moore
and Gouverneur Morris by the literary society.

When the exercises in the church are concluded the scene changes.
The homes of the families and friends of the graduates are enlivened
with dinner-parties, and the walls echo to the music of sweet song and
merry laughter. Dinner-giving is one of the fine arts of this period, and
a popular form of entertainment in New York. Guests are bidden with
discriminating care ; there is no mixing of classes. The old families who
for more than a century have furnished the colony with military, social,
and political leaders, and who are conscious that they are of the best
blood of Europe, form a proud, polished, and powerful aristocracy.
There are stupendous feuds existing among them, generally between rela-
tives, inherited and fostered, and there are fierce rivalries in politics and
religion ; but everybody knows who is who. Democratic theories are
prevalent and singularly contagious; but even these are discussed with
the greatest vehemence in the midst of the most lavish display — at din-
ner-tables spread with the choicest viands, where costly wines flow free
and fast, and where the etiquette of foreign courts is copied more nicely
than we are wont to suppose. Some of these New York banquets present
the most effective groupings of brilliant people that any country (in 1768)
affords. Nearly all the clerical characters of the time are men of pro-
found learning, and mingle with the dignity, youth, and beauty of the
colonial capital at official and private dinners and at social parties.

14 THE GOLDEN AGE OF COLONIAL NEW YORK

But private life has not yet become public property. Society repor-
ters do not stand at the doors trying to catch bits of table-talk, or a new
style of dressing the hair, with which to fill their next day's column in the
newspaper. .You may accept the most delightful hospitalities, meet possi-
bly the scion of some royal family from over the water, and always men
of genius and science, statesmen and heroes, with ladies gifted and beau-
tiful, and never find the least mention of it in the next issue of either of
the three flourishing weekly newspapers of the city! But in the small
corner of one of them, devoted to the "freshest domestick news " for the
entire week, we discover this item : " Last Wednesday evening one Bar-
naby Gantz, tavern-keeper in this city, aged upwards of 60, in going to
draw a mug of cyder in his cellar, unhappily fell down stairs and dashed
his brains out."

Public festivities are chronicled in the newspapers of 1768, especially
where there is dancing, although not in any detail. The following mentions
illustrate the custom of the times : " Samuel Fraunces has opened the
Vauxhall gardens where tea, coffee, mead, and cake, are furnished for guests ;
he has also a collection of wax-figures, ten in number, to be seen at the
cost of 4 shillings for each person." " At the Ranelagh gardens (at the
end of Broadway above Reade street) during the summer is given a con-
cert of vocal and instrumental music. The vocal parts by Mr. Woolls and
Miss Wainwright (of John's street theatre). Fire works under the direction
of two Italians. This entertainment to be given every Monday and
Thursday evenings during the season."

As Domestick News we also find chronicled an exhibition by Abraham
Van Dyck, at his house in Broadway (site of the Astor -House), " where
may be seen a beautiful animal just arrived, called the Leopard ; he is
adorned with very neat and different spots, black and white, has large
sparkling eyes, and long whiskers on both sides of his jaws." Van Dyck
is evidently a showman, for he advertises other animals to be exhibited at
same time, and soon after describes a cow, " six feet high and eleven feet
long," which can be seen at his place. He assures the public there is no
danger from the leopard, " as he is well secured with a chain." But from
his silence on the subject it is presumed he expects no one will be afraid
of a cow, even of such marvelous dimensions. This is probably " the
greatest show on earth " — in 1768.

The dancing assembly is advertised to begin in November at Burns',
meaning the city hotel in Broadway, " and is to be continued once a fort-
night during the season." It is what the people call " a polite affair," the
managers being well-known society men; their names are Thomas Walton,

THE GOLDEN AGE OF COLONIAL NEW YORK

Gabriel H. Ludlow, and John Reade. The news-carrier takes the lead in
versification. We cannot forbear giving one example :

''This day is arrived, on the pinions of time,
And brings you my annual present of rhyme,
A present which no other value pretends
But to show my respect to my patron and friends."

While such items furnish an insignificant view of matters about town,
there is no current publication that gives the slightest clew to what is going

THE METHODIST PREACHING-HOUSE IN JOHN STREET, BUILT 1 768.

on within the stately homes. Records of real life — which is not mere lapse
of years, spiced with quarrels and mixed with trade— can only be found in
family and other correspondence, in documents that possess the illuminat-
ing properties of electric lamps, and in out-of-the-way places not easily
accessible. The newspaper advertisements reveal what is in the market in
the way of furniture and dry goods; at nearly every auction sale there
appears to be " mahogany chairs, tables, sconces and dressing-glasses ; and
a variety of curious china and fashionable plate." Not infrequently choice

* Copied by permission from the picture in Lost Chapters Recovered from the Early History of
Methodism, published by Wilbur B. Ketcham.

16 THE GOLDEN AGE OF COLONIAL NEW YORK

pictures and elegant books are announced, or a complete table service in
silver. The importations of the merchants, elaborately chronicled, show
what kinds of stuffs are used for wearing apparel. The brightest of colors
take the lead. Satins are brocaded in bunches of silver and gold flowers
in large patterns, and the costliest laces are displayed. One order sent to
England by a lady living in Whitehall street is for "twenty-four yards of
bright blue satin, and a fashionable winter cloak of crimson satin." A
jeweler advertises "watches, trinkets, mettle buttons and buckles of
various kinds, and a good assortment of womens' black and white satten
and brocade shoes, and velvet and silk clogs." And to confirm the actual
coming in of the quaint fashion of colored shoes, a young lady writes of
having received the gift of two pairs of shoes from a friend in Europe,
"one of which is of dark maroon, embroidered with gold, the other white
embroidered with pink." A London hair-dresser and peruke-maker an-
nounces that he is "master of the new mode, lately invented in London,
of making wigs that shall not need dressing for six months." The ladies
are less fortunate, as their own hair is wrought into the complicated wiggish
structure in some mysterious way. One letter written by a New York
belle recites her experiences in trying to keep her hair dressed for three
weeks, for two occasions of importance that distance of time apart, and
there is nothing more amusing in the language than her account of how
she obtained her sleep in an arm-chair.

The famous British officer, Col. Henry B.oquet, visited New York
in 1765, three years before ourselves, and writes to a friend: " Married
ladies in New York go constantly to the Assembly, and the girls don't
Cherokee their hair. Therefore there are more manners and better taste
in New York than at Philadelphia. The men drink better wine in general,
and never make you drink more than you chuse — by which indiscreet
behavior many get themselves drunk. For the wine is strong and some
heads very weak. Upon the whole New York is the best town."

Next to the great memorial lords in importance are the leading mer-
chants of New York. Representatives of the landed gentry are in numer-
ous instances enrolled among the latter. We can see how an element of
mercantile strength opens every avenue of thrift and paves the way for
the supply of every human want. Men are developed and made bet-
ter by taking their lots and places in the tasks, enterprises, temptations,
and vicissitudes of life, working their way, not only that civilization may
be extended and Christianity strengthened, but that they themselves may
represent a more perfect type of manhood. It is interesting to trace the
movements of the merchants in this " golden age," this " noon of colonial

THE GOLDEN AGE OF COLONIAL NEW YORK I J

empire," and note the formation of the first mercantile society in America.
Its object is for " encouraging commerce, supporting industry, adjusting
disputes relative to trade and navigation, and procuring such laws and
regulations as may be found necessary for the benefit of trade in general."
Twenty-four merchants meet on the 5th of April, 1768, in the long room
of Fraunces tavern, in Broad street, and organize the Chamber of Com-
merce. Let us pause a moment to see what these shrewd, daring, pros-
perous men are like.

John Cruger, recently mayor of the city, is here, and is chosen first presi-
dent of the chamber. He belongs to a family of energetic and successful
merchants, and with his brother, Henry Cruger, sends a line of vessels on
regular trips to England and the West Indies, the firm owning the vessels.
He is a man of fine presence and courtly manners, is public-spirited, has
served in the legislature, been honored with the speakership, and com-
mands universal respect and confidence. Hugh Wallace, whose house we
passed in Dock street, is made the first vice-president of the chamber.
Elias Desbrosses is chosen treasurer; he is a very rich man of fifty, a
vestryman of Trinity church, exceedingly religious, and a donor to every
beneficent enterprise. The secretary is Anthony Van Dam, whose grand-
father, Rip Van Dam, was president of the king's council, and in 173 1
acting governor of New York. The new secretary is very precise in his
handwriting, and keeps the records in admirable style. It is said that in
his engrossing he uses but one pen in a year. James Jauncey is one of
the foremost figures in the active business life of the city ; is said to have
been largely interested in privateering ventures during the French war.
He has accumulated a large property, and lives at a beautiful country-
seat on the west shore of the Hudson (a little below Riverside Park). He
mixes in politics and has just been elected to the assembly, after a bitter
struggle. Personally he is very generous and benevolent. William and
Jacob Walton are younger men, the nephews of William Walton, the coun-
selor, who died in the early part of this year. They are in partnership in
business, and send their own ships to the South American ports, to the
West Indies, and to Spain. The wife of William Walton is the daughter
of Lieutenant-Governor de Lancey, and the wife of Jacob Walton is the
daughter of Henry Cruger.

The merchant present who is the head of a commercial house that owns
more shipping than any other in America is Robert Murray, the Quaker,
and he is an exceptionally interesting character. He has a city residence
in Queen street, but he also has a country-seat at " Inclenberg," otherwise
Murray Hill, which he has brought into notice through the extensive gar-

Vol. XXIV.-No. i.-a

1-8 THE GOLDEN AGE OF COLONIAL NEW YORK

dens and grounds he has beautified about his roomy and comfortable
house. His farm thereabouts covers many acres, and a fine corn-field flour-
ishes on the site of the coming Grand Central depot. His son, Lindley
Murray, is twenty-three, and is taking his first lessons in the practice of
law. George Folliot is an extensive importer, as is also Walter Franklin,
supposed to be the richest merchant in New York at this time ; he is said
to have as much money in Russia as in America. His name will be handed
down to posterity as having built a great mansion near the Walton house,
in Cherry street, fit for a king, or, what may yet be considered of more
consequence, fit for the first President of a monster Republic. Samuel
Verplanck is a wholesale importing merchant, and in a small way a banker,
residing in Wall street. Theophylact Bache is young, only thirty-four, but
he has acquired wealth and influence and married into the opulent Bar-
clay family, which adds materially to his importance. His brother, Richard
Bache, has within a year married Sarah, the only daughter of Dr. Benjamin
Franklin.

Thomas White is a large importer of European and East India goods,
has a family devoted to fashion, and resides in Wall street. So far as we
know he is not related to Henry White, who is also one of the illustrious
twenty-four. The latter does an extensive business with foreign countries,
and is a man of mark ; he succeeds William Walton by appointment of the
crown as member of the governor's council. His wife is Eve Van Cortlandt,
who inherits a large estate in her own right. Miles Sherbrooke is conduct-
ing a foreign trade, and lives in Whitehall street ; William Waddell is con-
nected with the great shipping house of Greg, Cunningham & Co. ; Ache-
son Thompson sends vessels and cargoes to Ireland and imports Irish
beef and linens; Lawrence Kortwright is a great land-holder in Tryon
County and actively engaged in shipping, owning the whole or part of no
less than seven large vessels. Thomas Randall is a famous sea-captain
and the joint owner of several ships. He is a well-educated, stirring man,
taking a prominent part in public affairs, and lives handsomely in White-
hall street. William McAdam is in business near the new Dutch church.
James McEvers imports European and India goods in large quantities, and
his store is in Hanover square. He is the stamp distributor appointed in
England, after the passage of the odious Stamp Act in 1765, and many a
tale is told of what an uneasy time he had of it prior to his resignation of
the unwelcome office. Isaac Low carries on a lucrative business in the
importation of dry goods. He is at this time an attractive, well-read man
of thirty-six, and highly esteemed in the community. His marriage to
the daughter of Cornelius Cuyler, mayor of Albany, has brought him into

THE GOLDEN AGE OF COLONIAL NEW YORK 19

connection with the Schuylers, Van Cortlandts, and other notables of the
colony. The remaining two of the group of merchants who founded the
chamber are Philip Livingston and John Alsop. Livingston was gradu-
ated from Yale in 1737 and is an earnest, progressive citizen. At present
he is speaker of the assembly. John Alsop was educated for mercantile
life in the counting-house of Livingston, struck out early in business for
himself as an importer, and has accumulated a handsome fortune. 1 His
only daughter married the statesman Rufus King, the grandfather of
John A. King, the honored president of the New York Historical Society.)

It would be pleasant to tarry longer and attend some of the early
meetings of the chamber, if space permitted. Practical questions come
up, such as the establishment of a paper currency in the city and fixing
the price of flour. Xew members come in promptly, among them Robert
Watts, the son of the counselor ; John Harris Cruger, the son of Henry
Cruger, who is doing business under his own name, and has recently mar-
ried the daughter of Oliver de Lancey ; Thomas Marston, prominent in
social affairs, whose wife is the daughter of Leonard Lispenard ; Charles
McEvers, whose new house in Wall street has already attracted us ; Lewis
Pintard, the influential shipping merchant ; Jacobus Van Zandt, a wholesale
and retail dealer in dry goods ; Gerard W. Beekman, of Hanover square ;
Peter Ketletas, of whom it is said ,; he enjoys the singular faculty of living
unsuspected of an unworthy action ; " Gabriel H. Ludlow, Nicholas Gouver-
neur, Levinus Clarkson, Richard Yates, Peter Remsen, William Seton,
Edward Laight, John Reade, and Thomas Buchanan, all of sterling char-
acter, destined to accelerate the wheels of progress

But we must pass on. The brief glimpse serves as a reminder of the
sentiment that whatever is strong, noble, just, and possible, whether it is
the pursuit of wealth, art, learning, or fame, is good for the world through
the unfolding of individual character and the consequent uplifting of
society. It is said, and sometimes with a shrug, that the metropolis was
founded by traders, that every man kept a store, and that in its present
proportions it is only an outgrowth of commerce. We stand perpetually
accused of being a money-making and a dollar-seeking people. But we
have no occasion to feel reproached, even if it were true. The contents of
well-filled purses certainly encourage trade, having a similar effect to that
of rain upon growing crops. The same wise Power which gathers the
mists, loosens the rain-clouds and distributes the drops. The mercantile
impetus given to Xew York through the tireless activity and remarkable
energy of the men who accumulated private fortunes prior to the intro-
duction of modern business facilities, furnishes its own lesson, and never

20 THE GOLDEN AGE OF COLONIAL NEW YORK

was there a better school for bringing into full play the varied powers of
which men's natures are compounded. We shall ever have the satisfac-
tion of knowing that our money-making citizens through every decade
since we were a little fur-station, have been second to none in generous
impulse, in catholic charity, in Christian progress, and in public spirit. We
have seen churches built, we have seen schools and colleges established,
we have seen asylums endowed, we have seen hospitals and homes pro-
vided for the helpless, and we have seen the current of liberal giving flow
beyond our own limits in mighty rivers through every habitable portion of
our vast continent. All honor to the early merchants of New York who
first gave the wheel a vigorous turn !

The government of the colony next captures and holds us. In form it
is republican, although it has an aristocratic background. The house of
representatives is elected by the people, but the council of twelve mem-
bers, known as " His Majesty's Council for the Province of New York,"
receives its appointment directly from the crown. The governor and the
lieutenant-governor are also of the king's own selection. We hear much
said about the " people," and their ruling must be invested with force, as
the men placed in power by the popular voice long since organized them-
selves into a very stiff and unmanageable body.

Both the upper and the lower houses meet in the city hall, in Wall
street, which the clever De Burnaby says " makes no great figure, although
it is soon to be repaired." The edifice is as old as the century, and we
might recite a volume of curious happenings under its roof (very close to
which is the debtors' prison). The structure stands on brick arches over
the sidewalks, under which pedestrians pass from street to^street. It con-
tains the public library, much visited by scholars and writers, and the court-
rooms, where (ever since the year 1700) the sessions are held of the supreme
court, the admiralty court, and the mayor's court. We first visit the
council-chamber of the colony, and find the chief justice, Daniel Horse-
manden, presiding. Next to him in the council, in point of age and con-
sequence, is the accomplished, witty, and sarcastic John Watts. The
other gentlemen gathered about the oval table are Oliver de Lancey and
Charles W. Apthorpe, whose handsome estates on the Hudson, at Bloom-
ingdale, otherwise Riverside Park, are side by side, embracing an immense
number of acres, with dwellings constructed after the style of the country-
houses of the gentry in England ; Roger Morris, whose grand old home
on Harlem Heights has for ten years been the social centre of the aristoc-
racy; Wm. Smith, Jr., and Henry Cruger. They are all men of note, born
to opulence and high social position, and are self-poised and magisterial.

THE GOLDEN AGE OF COLONIAL NEW YORK 21

The lieutenant-governor is Cadwallader Colden, a physician and
writer of immense erudition, now eighty years old. He does not attend
any of these meetings except when acting governor, which however
happens very frequently. The present royal governor sent over by the
king, Sir Henry Moore, has been in New York about three years. He
enters the council-chamber ere we depart ; the president of the council
rises and vacates the chair, which the governor takes and presides. His
first act is to send a message to the assembly requesting its immediate
presence in the council-chamber; and presently the legislators of the
province file in and take the seats reserved for them on such occasions.

The speaker of the assembly is Philip Livingston, to whom you
have already been introduced. Among the members — twenty-seven
in all — are James de Lancey, son of Lieutenant-Governor de Lancey ;
Jacob Walton and James Jauncey, mentioned in connection with the
Chamber of Commerce ; Frederick Philipse, the third and last proprietor
of the manor, a man of scholarly and quiet tastes, who has never been
worried with any of the pesterments attending the accumulation of
property — but spends money like a prince, living in a style of magnifi-
cence exceeding all his predecessors ; Leonard Lispenard, a large import-
ing merchant and landholder; Pierre Van Cortlandt, the third proprietor
of Van Cortlandt Manor; Philip Schuyler, now thirty-five years of age;
George Clinton, only twenty-nine, and others who are likely to be heard
from in the natural course of coming events. There is much courtly cere-
mony, and then ''his Excellency Sir Henry Moore, baronet, captain-general
and governor-in-chief of the province" (our hosts will not forgive us if we
omit or abbreviate titles), is pleased in presence of the two houses to give his
assent to five bills, two of which run as follows: "An act to ascertain the
size of casks in which white bread shall be packed within the city of New
York, and to regulate the manner in which the same shall be sold ;" and
u An act to empower Sir William Baker Knight and Robert Charles Esq,
to pay for the statues of His Majesty George III and of the Right Hon-
orable William Pitt Esqr now Lord Chatham, and also for a piece of plate
to be presented to John Sargent Esq." The statue of the king is to be
erected on the Bowling Green in front of the fort, and that of Mr. Pitt in
Wall street ; the bill to achieve this tribute of respect to the two wor-
thies has been zig-zagging from one chamber to the other, and has occu-
pied (comparatively) as much time and momentous consideration as any
rapid-transit bill of later generations.

We shall find the court-room none the less interesting, and even more
imposing, for aside from their much-bewigged heads, the chief-justice and

22 THE GOLDEN AGE OF COLONIAL NEW YORK

judges are attired in robes of scarlet faced with black velvet. There is no
custom of British or French origin that is allowed to languish in Dutch
New York for want of adoption.

From the council-chamber to the court-room is such a brief step that
we are reminded of the fact that ours is and always has been a govern-
ment controlled by lawyers. It was the courts and not the commons that
warned Charles I. that taxation without representation might cost him his
head. The lawyers of 1768 are engaged in anirftated disagreements with
one another, and even King George might say, as did one of his kingly
predecessors, " When one side speaks the case is clear, but when the
other closes, upon my soul I cannot tell which is right."

We shall not have time to stop here and try a case, but we meet some
very bright and learned expounders and defenders of the law. John
Morin Scott, for instance, whom John Adams characterizes as " a sensible
man and one of the readiest speakers on the continent, but not very
polite." He has a charming country-place three miles out of town, at
Greenwich on the Hudson. James Duane, a rising young lawyer, not yet
forty, whose wife is the daughter of Robert, third lord of Livingston
manor, dwells in a delightful country mansion surrounded by gardens
and trees on the Bowery road (at Gramercy Park). Among the Living-
ston brothers, uncles of Mrs. Duane, who are in public life, William is the
legal luminary, now a man of forty-five and gifted with a measure of fear-
lessness, wit, and satire greatly beyond any of his associates. James
de Lancey is an educated lawyer, residing in the stately three-story brick
mansion-house built by his father at the east of the Bowery road, a little
above the Canal-street ditch. This is one of the show places of 1768, is
approached through a semicircular gateway, with dense trees forming an
artistic arch over the entire entrance drive, and its gardens in the rear
are not surpassed in extent or cultivation by any on the island. De Lan-
cey's brother-in-law, Thomas Jones, now thirty-seven years of age, has been
practising successfully in the New York courts for upward of a decade ;
while his father, Judge David Jones, has served with reputation on the
bench of the Supreme Court for many years. Judge Robert R. Living-
ston and Judge Chambers stand high as jurists ; Benjamin Pratt, who has
had something of a judicial career in Boston, has been chief-justice ;
George D. Ludlow is an able lawyer ; there are two William Smiths, father
and son, prominent on the bench and at the bar ; Richard Morris is
considered very brilliant by the profession ; and of deserved eminence
are Goldsboro Banyer and Benjamin Kissam. In the orifice of Kissam,
young John Jay, now twenty-three, is taking his early lessons in practi-

THE GOLDEN AGE OF COLONIAL NEW YORK 23

cal law with Blackstone's Commentaries (the. first two volumes having
already reached America) constantly within reach.

We must not leave the old building until we have paid our respects to
the corporation. Whitehead Hicks appears to fill the exalted office of
mayor acceptably. He is polished and agreeable in his manners, of gay,
cheerful disposition, and extremely fond of society. He is a good lawyer,
having been regularly bred to the profession, finishing his studies in the
office of Judge William Smith, in same class as William Livingston and Wil-
liam Smith, Jr., and presides over the mayor's court with tact and dis-
cretion. The recorder is Simeon Johnson ; the city treasurer, Isaac de
Peyster ; and among the aldermen are such solid men as Elias Desbrosses,
Abraham P. Lott, Cornelius Roosevelt, Francis Filkin, John Abeel, and
Peter T. Curtenius.

One feels much governed in such an atmosphere, but on the street
again we forget the power behind us and study the people. If the race of
lawyers which seems so noble and promising in this golden age would
only agree to travel on the same line of opinion, what a peaceful world
would result !

The population of the city is a practical fusion of many elements and
nationalities ; it is thought there are more languages spoken here than in
any other place of its size in the world. Dr. Burnaby says: " The people
resemble the Pennsylvanians ; they are habitually frugal, industrious, and
parsimonious. Being, however, of different nations, different languages,
and different religions, it is almost impossible to give them any precise or
determinate character. The women are handsome and agreeable but
rather more reserved than the Philadelphia ladies. Their amusements are
much the same as in Pennsylvania, viz. : balls and sleighing expeditions in
the winter, and in the summer going in parties upon the water and fishing,
or making excursions into the country. There are several houses pleas-
antly situated upon the East river near New York, where it is common to
have turtle feasts. These happen once or twice a week ; thirty or forty
gentlemen and ladies meet and dine together, drink tea in the afternoon,
and then return home in Italian chaises (a fashionable conveyance), a gen-
tleman and lady in each chaise."

We are not so fortunate as Dr. Burnaby in being invited to one of
these reunions, but we can drive into the country as well as he, and find
much to interest us. A large part of the island is under cultivation in one
way or another. There are many choice farms scattered over it. The con-
trast since a hundred years before is marvelous. Then it was a tangled
wild ; now a smiling landscape. Then the wolves howled at night, and

THE GOLDEN AGE OF COLONIAL NEW YORK

THE GOLDEN AGE OF COLONIAL NEW YORK 25

Indians dodged in and out among the bushes ; now the farmer plows his
fields and gathers his buckwheat in safety, and suburban homes are planted
at intervals all the way from the Brick church at Beekman street to the
Harlem river. Every prospect indicates prosperity. No one at this time,
however, expects the city is to take an early leap into the country. They
say it will never probably stretch its limits half a mile further north. It
is very well as it is.

Our slow coach is on a simple country road immediately after passing
the Brick church, and the first object of special notice is a great smooth,
sparkling lake of fresh water, covering an area of more than two blocks of
space and said to be sixty feet deep! The land about it on every side ex-
cept the southwestern is low and swampy, variegated with wild grass and
weeds, and singularly suggestive of malaria. A sluggish stream of water
connects the lake with the Hudson river, and we learn that along the line
of this ditch, as it is called, the Lutheran church was not long ago offered
six acres of land as a gift, and after mature deliberation the trustees re-
ported that it was " inexpedient to accept the land, since it was not worth
fencing in."

As we proceed we quickly come to higher ground. On the line of this
Bowery road small farm-houses and wayside inns are not infrequent. Near
the line of the ditch or canal is a huge windmill, its yard extending through
to the road on which we are traveling. To the right of us are several
fine country-seats, that of Mr. Jones, called " Mount Pitt," of Henry Rut-
gers below it, and those of Mr. Byvant, Mr. Ackland, and Mr. Degrushe,
all examples of an excellent character of domestic architecture. We reach
the villa of De Lancey, and turn into an imposing drive-way to the west
of it to visit the home of Col. Nicholas Bayard, which occupies a com-
manding eminence in that locality. The southern view from his porch
embraces a picturesque valley with water flowing through it into both
rivers, corn-fields and mowing-lots further on, and beyond all the smoke
and spires of the far-away city, while to the southwest is plainly visible
the handsome country-seat of Leonard Lispenard ; in the distance, on
either side the great rivers and the shores and the heights beyond them
complete as fair an outlook as can be found in the world.

Hastening back to the Bowery road, we soon come to the seat of Mr.
Dykman, and the next place of consequence is the seat of Mr. Herrin ;
on the right toward the East river, reached by a shady avenue, is the hip-
roofed mansion with a lofty portico of Nicholas William Stuyvesant. A
little to the north of this is the seat of Gerardus Stuyvesant ; and to the
west of the Bowery road, close by, is the famous estate of Andrew Elliot,

26 THE GOLDEN AGE OF COLONIAL NEW YORK

the collector, whose daughter is the wife of James Jauncey, Jr. Elliot has
fashioned his house after an old French chateau, and its geography is most
bewildering. It is notable for its great number of apartments, its odd-
looking turrets and queer gables, and it is painted in aesthetic yellow.
This house stood on the site of Denning's dry goods store, between Ninth
and Tenth streets, fronting the Bowery road, and when Broadway was
cut through it clipped off its rear porch.

Near the bank of the East river is the seat of Petrus Stuyvesant, the
approach to which from the Bowery road is a long, straight, shady drive.
The next handsome place is that of Mr. Tiebout, just to the north of
which is that of James Duane. Counselor John Watts has a fine large
estate to the right a little further on, callled " Rose Hill ;" near that is the
seat of Mr. Ketteltas. Friend Robert Murray, at Inclenberg, will no
doubt extend hospitalities to us ; and we must not fail to visit the
ancient and historic Kip house, and the elegant seat of the Beekmans.

We hoped to cross to the west side of the island and inspect its progress
in settlement, but the cross-road is sandy and our horses are tired. From
the Roger Morris place to the town, the seats of wealthy men and highly
cultivated farms are scattered at intervals along the shore of the Hudson.
Gen. John Maunsell, B.A., a British officer of note, has just built a
house on his property adjoining that of Roger Morris, and John Watkins,
whose wife is Mrs. Maunsell's sister, has bought a large estate near by,
stretching across the entire heights, and built a very commodious dwelling-
house of stone. Of Bloomingdale and thereabouts we have hitherto ob-
tained glimpses that must suffice, for the sun is in the west and to-morrow
is the Sabbath.

Among the noteworthy features of New York in 1768 are its legal
holidays. No further legislation is necessary in that direction ; nor do we
hear of any strikes or eight-hour movements. It is interesting to note
that the custom-house and public offices are closed by direction of the
British authorities on New Year's Day, the Queen's birthday, anniversary
of King Charles' martyrdom, Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, Lady Day,
Good Friday, Easter Monday and Tuesday, Ascension Day, St. George's
Day, King Charles' Restoration, the King's birthday, Whitsun Monday
and Tuesday, Prince of Wales' birthday, King George 1st and 2d landed
in Great Britain, Coronation Day, All Saints, Gunpowder Plot, Christmas
Day, and three Christmas holidays following. Added to these are the
provincial days — General Fast, Thanksgiving, General Election, and Com-
mencement of the College — twenty-seven holidays in one year! We wit-
ness the proceedings of one of them on June 4, 1768 — the celebration of the

THE GOLDEN AGE OF COLONIAL NEW YORK 27

king's birthday, who enters his thirty-first year. The newspaper says the day
was opened with " great solemnity," and Governor Sir Henry Moore being
in Albany, General Gage acted as master of ceremonies. He with the
members of the council, the mayor, and the corporation assemble at Fort
George, " where his majesty's and many other loyal healths are drunk,
under the discharge of a royal salute from the fort, which is immediately
answered by three volleys from the regular soldiers, drawn up in order on
the Bowling Green, and there they are reviewed by the general, making a
very handsome appearance. An elegant entertainment is given by Gen-
eral Gage to the gentlemen of the army and of this city. In the evening
a number of lamps are disposed in such a manner over the gate of the
fort as to represent the letters G. R., and before the door of General
Gage, at his house in Broad street, is exhibited by lamps properly
placed an elegant appearance of the royal arms." The papers further
chronicle a " general illumination throughout the whole city, and every
demonstration of joy shown by all ranks."

The day, however, which does not appear in this list, but which is the
most notable of all the New York holidays of the period, is the Sabbath
day. The stillness of the morning is not easily painted into our picture.
The city is absolutely quiet. Even the milkmen and the venders of
drinking-water announce themselves in hushed voices at the kitchen
doors. People breakfast at their pleasure, and appear at the table in
their holiday clothes.

Among the very earliest laws of the Dutch who first settled New York
were rigid regulations concerning the observance of the Sabbath. It was
esteemed the duty of government to protect it. As a means of social,
moral, and physical health, as a measure of industrial economy, if there
had been no Sabbath, the ordination of one would have come directly
within the scope of legislation. The English customs were none the less
exacting, and when the two nations were represented together on this soil,
their views on the subject were practically the same, and were sustained
by the habits and feelings of the great mass of the population. Thus we
have the spectacle of an almost unparalleled growth of houses of worship
in comparison to the population, and these churches are not only here, but
are well sustained.

Everybody goes to church. With a rapturous peal from the church-
bells at the stated hour, the houses pour forth their occupants. The
costly bound Bibles and prayer-books that are carried reveal their destina-
tion. The streets present a medley of dazzling colors — and catching
views of glittering shoe-buckles, ruffled shirt-fronts, and red, blue, and

28 THE GOLDEN AGE OF COLONIAL NEW YORK

yellow silks and satins, pleasing to the eye, we mentally wish the style of
dress would never change. Carriages emblazoned with coats-of-arms
bring the people into the city from the country-seats we visited yesterday :
and as the throngs move through the portals of the various churches the
streets are deserted, and silence again reigns. There is nothing around or
about to disturb the devotional spirit. No steamships arrive on a Sunday
morning to send their baggage-wagons clattering through Broadway.
Who ever heard of such a machine as a steamship ? No railroad trains
come in on every possible side of the city, distributing flocks of passen-
gers with grip-sacks to flood the hotels and lodging-houses, and clamor
for breakfast just at church-time ; no excursion trains are about to start,
with fathers and mothers and little children running for their lives to catch
them. There are no such wondrous things as trains extant. Neither do
the mails pour in from the entire civilized world to disturb tranquil think-
ing on a Sunday forenoon — and there are no Sunday newspapers.

Let us go to church with the people and study them — the churches and
the people — at our leisure. Naturally we look first into Trinity, the inside
of which is ornamented beyond that of any other in the city. The head
of the chancel is adorned with an altar-piece, and opposite, at the other
end of the building, is a superb organ made in England. The tops of the
pillars which support the galleries are decked with the gilt busts of winged
angels. From the ceilings are suspended glass branches of great beauty,
and on the walls are the escutcheons of Governor Fletcher and other
benefactors of the church. The furniture of the communion table, desk,
and pulpit is of the richest and costliest quality. Three full sets of
communion plate have been presented successively by William and Mary,
Queen Anne, and one of the Georges, each inscribed with the donor's
initials and the royal arms. In the pulpit is the Rev. Dr. Samuel
Auchmuty, descended from an ancient baronial family of Scotland, and
his assistant is the Rev. Charles Inglis, both men of great learning. St.
Paul's we visited commencement day ; and St. George chapel is too far
away for us, this morning, to walk up its aisles flagged with gray stone and
comment upon its unique and appropriate decorations. But we learn it
is filled with devout worshipers.

Of the three Dutch churches we choose the one in Nassau street, with
its pretty portico and painted picket-fence, and step in to hear the Rev.
Dr. Laidlie preach republican philosophy under a ponderous sounding-
board to a large and intelligent congregation, in the English language (a
recent innovation), while the good fathers of the church still persist in
offering up their prayers in Dutch. The beautiful North Dutch church

THE GOLDEN AGE OF COLONIAL NEW YORK 29

in Fulton street is to have for its pastor Rev. Dr. John Henry Livingston,
a graduate of Yale, who has been to Holland to study theology. He is
only twenty-six, of singular personal beauty, tall, athletic, and a proficient
in manly exercises.

We go to the Wall Street Presbyterian church, which is overcrowded,
and are fortunate in finding the Rev. Dr. John Witherspoon in the pulpit,
who has been sent across the Atlantic to take charge of Princeton col-
lege. He is fresh from the discussions of liberty in matters of religious
faith and practice in the Old World, is learned, versatile, and brilliant, and
a great friend of Rev. Dr. John Rodgers, the pastor of the church, whom
we shall find this morning at the new Brick church. Dr. Rodgers is a de-
cidedly progressive divine, and has abolished the old custom of opening
Sabbath services from the clerk's desk. He is fixed in habits of austere
industry, never loses a moment of time, and is fond of scholastic theology
and of political discussion. We are surprised to find this new church, so
recently opened, also crowded, and are told that when the edifice was
completed the first of the year, all the pews were taken at the first sale.

The new Scotch Presbyterian church in Cedar street, near Broadway,
although just opened, is as well filled as the others. It is an offshoot from
the Wall Street Presbyterian through a disagreement concerning a system
of church psalmody. Its pastor is the Rev. Dr. John Mason, a young
divine of thirty-four, from Scotland, who captivates all who come within
sound of his voice. The Baptists are few in number, but they have a
little church eight years old in Gold street, near John; their pastor is
Rev. John Gano, young and energetic, the grandson of Stephen Gano, the
Huguenot who settled in New Rochelle. The Methodists are just coming
into notice, and their modest " preaching house " in John street is opened
for worship this year, the Rev. Philip Embury preaching the first sermon
within its walls. The Moravians have a church in Fulton street, near
William, a little frame building about seventeen years of age, and its
pastor is the Rev. G. Neiser. The Quakers have a small church structure,
built nearly seventy years ago, in Little Green street, just south of Maiden
lane, and we observe that their congregation includes some of the rich
and well-to-do citizens. But they will call churches " steeple houses," and
say they have nojie — their place of worship is a meeting-house. At the
Jewish synagogue in Mill street, the Rabbi in his splendid robes of office,
the men in bright silk scarfs, and the whole congregation chanting aloud
in Hebrew, with the Holy Light burning before the altar, will produce
lasting remembrances. In the Lutheran church, just below Trinity, one
half of the services are performed in German and the other half in Low

30 THE GOLDEN AGE OF COLONIAL NEW YORK

Dutch. This is owing to there being more Hollanders than Germans
belonging to the congregation. Martin Luther's followers have long since
found this place of worship too small, and last year (1767) they erected
a little church edifice in the swamp, corner of William and Frankfort
streets, the land being almost worthless in that locality ; and their services
are held in the German language exclusively. This sanctuary is called
the " Swamp church." There are Germans here who are not Lutherans,
but Calvinists, and they also have a church, a new building in Nassau
street, near Maiden lane, two years of age, with Rev. Dr. Johan Michael
Kern as pastor. The services are conducted in the Dutch language, which,
says an Englishman who does not understand it, " sounds lofty, majestic,
and emphatical." One of the most unique church edifices in the city is
the French Huguenot church in Pine street, sixty-four years old, the lot
extending from Pine to Cedar, and about seventy-five feet front. It is of
stone, plastered on the outside, and in its quaint steeple is a musical bell
which plays all manner of discords with the ancient bell in the belfry of
the neighborly Dutch church. Its congregation includes some of the best-
known families in the city, distinguished alike for their social influence
and religious fidelity.

Eighteen churches to a population not exceeding eighteen thousand,
including the negro element! The exact population cannot be here stated,
as there was no census in 1768, but the figures given are the nearest at-
tainable. Has there been any time since then when a more impressive
exhibit could be made ?

We leave much unseen that would interest us in the little metropolis,
but we must return to the prosaic present, irrespective of regrets and
without waiting to discover any democratic hammer hidden in mid-air, or
clouds that threaten to obscure the light and disturb the peaceful serenity
of the " Golden Age of Colonial New York."

^^^£y^^^^^t^i

SIR WILLIAM BLACKSTONE AND HIS WORK

Nowhere, it is said, has the chief work of Sir William Blackstone been
more widely read than in America. As the first and only book of the kind
in England, and written in a most graceful and attractive style, it was ac-
cepted as an authoritative revelation of the law. The first volume of the
Commentaries was published in 1765, when its author was forty-two years
of age ; the other three volumes appeared at intervals during the next four
years. Blackstone began his famous treatise with a forcible plea that noble-
men, gentlemen, and educated persons generally, should have an intelligent
understanding of the laws of the country. The work covers the field of
law with singular completeness, and performed much the same service as
was rendered to the people of Rome by the publication of their previously
unknown laws. Few books of the age on any theme were ever more suc-
cessful. Eight editions appeared in the author's lifetime (he died in 1780),
and the ninth edition was ready for publication. For sixty years after his
death editions continued to follow one another almost as quickly, and
editors were found in men like Burns, Christian, Coleridge, and Chitty,
who felt that they were rendering a service to their profession in annotat-
ing Blackstone with minute and almost tender care ; and laymen turned
to him to find for the first time English law made readable. So great,
however, have been the growth and changes of law that to keep the work
up to date by means of foot-notes is now an almost hopeless task.

Burke said in 1775 : " I hear that they have sold nearly as many of
Blackstone's Commentaries in America as in England." It certainly has
been edited and abridged in America nearly as often as in England, and
has wielded as potent an influence in shaping the course of legal edu-
cation in one country as in the other. It suggested to Chancellor Kent
the idea of writing his Commentaries on Americati Law.

Blackstone was not without his critics, who remarked upon some dis-
proportion in the parts of his great work, which closes with a chapter on
the rise, progress and gradual improvements of the lawrs of England, sug-
gesting to Reeves the utility of a history of English law, filled up with some
minuteness upon the outline thus drawn. Thomas Jefferson questioned the
wisdom of Blackstone's plan of smoothing the path of the student of law.
He was also opposed to citing English authorities after the declaration of
independence, and is reported to have said that to exclude them would
be " to uncanonize Blackstone, whose book, although the most eloquent

32 SIR WILLIAM BLACKSTONE AND HIS WORK

and best digested of our law catalogues has been perverted more than
all others to the degeneracy of legal science ; a student finds there a
smattering of everything, and his indolence easily persuades him that if
he understands that book he is master of the whole body of the law."
In 1776 Bentham wrrote his famous Fragment on Government, in which
he discussed what he considered Blackstone's imperfections, while frankly
recognizing his merits. Dr. Priestley long before this had issued a pamph-
let criticising passages in the Commentaries relating to dissenters ; De
Turneaux addressed letters to the author condemning his illiberal spirit in
regard to the " Toleration Act," and found fault with the work as an incom-
plete statement of the law. Austin was even more vigorous in his critical
attacks, accusing Blackstone of following slavishly the method of Hale's
Analysis of the Law, and of " blindly adopting the mistakes of his rude,
and compendious model, missing, invariably, with a nice and surprising
infelicity, the pregnant but obscure suggestions which it proffered to his
attention and which would have guided a discerning and inventive writer
to an arrangement comparatively just." Bentham declared that Blackstone
was "the enemy of all reform, and the unscrupulous champion of every
form of professional chicanery ; " and Austin insisted that he " flattered the
overweening conceit of the English in their own institutions," and made his
work popular " in a style fitted to tickle the ear, though it never or rarely
satisfies a severe and masculine taste." These criticisms attracted public
attention, until it grew fashionable to speak lightly of the work. But as
time rolled on there came a more just appreciation of its value. Cole-
ridge has pointed to the crude and scattered condition of the materials
and controversies examined by Blackstone, and it is generally conceded
that his conception of the Commentaries was admirable, and so well car-
ried out " that the work contains the best history of English law extant,
needing comparatively little correction, and told with clearness and spirit."
Blackstone grew to be a very stout man, disliking all forms of exercise.
His portrait by Gainsborough, which forms the frontispiece to this num-
ber of the magazine, was painted about 1775. He was very precise and
orderly in his habits, and noted through life for scrupulous punctuality;
but it is said he was both languid and hot-tempered. He was twice elected
to a seat in parliament, yet his political career was without memorable inci-
dents. He was made a justice of the court of common pleas in 1770,
where he acquired the reputation of being a painstaking judge.

THE INDIAN COLLEGE AT CAMBRIDGE

In 1638, the funds placed at the disposition of the college at Cam-
bridge, through the bequest of John Harvard, enabled those having the
work in charge to begin the construction of the college building. When
this building was completed, the eight chambers in it for a time accom-
modated the students, but in the course of a few years dormitories had
to be provided elsewhere. Henry Dunster, the first president of the col-
lege, had, upon very damageful conditions to himself, as he terms it,
erected a house for his own use. In this house the printing-press was
originally placed, and the room over that in which the press was situated
was used as a dormitory. Johnson, in his Wonder -Working Providence, re-
cords the fact that when he wrote, which is thought to have been in 165 1,
the college was " enlarging by purchasing the neighbors' houses." One
of the houses thus purchased was that of Edward Goffe, in Braintree,
now Harvard street, and the rooms in this house were used as dormi-
tories. About the same time that this purchase was effected, the president
and fellows, in a petition to the commissioners of the United Colonies,
represented that " through the increase of scholars many of them are
forced to lodge in the town."*

Up to this time the growth of the college which had caused this de-
mand for an increase of the dormitories had been exclusively composed
of white students. The names of the students suggest to those familiar
with the early colonial history of New England, the families whom they
represented.f

In 1645, Winthrop records in his diary an event which foreshadowed
the possibility that there might be in the future other than white students.
He says that divers free schools were established that year, at which
" Indians' children were to be taught freely." In 1646, John Eliot was
preaching in the Indian language to attentive audiences. He followed
up this work by " the establishment of schools among the praying Indians,
and he taught some himself to read, that they might be capable to teach
others, and by his procurements some of the choice Indian youths were
put to school with English schoolmasters to learn both the English and
Greek tongues." %

* Hazard's State Papers, Vol. II., p. 197. \ Winthrop s New England, Vol. II., p. 215.

\ Goo kin, Mass. Hist. Coll'ns, Vol. I., p. 172.
Vol. XXIV.-No. i.— 3

34 THE INDIAN COLLEGE AT CAMBRIDGE

In 1649, the society for the Propagation of the Gospel among the
Indians was incorporated in London. They raised funds to carry out the
purposes of the organization, and intrusted the distribution of these
funds to the commissioners of the United Colonies.

The position and influence of these commissioners had already at-
tracted the attention of those in authority at Cambridge. Samuel Shep-
ard appealed to them in 1644 for a contribution for the maintenance of
poor scholars, and Dunster, in 1647, pleaded the inability of the college,
even at that early date, to meet the expense of keeping the college build-
ing in repair with the rentals from the dormitories. Both of these appeals
were favorably considered, but the commissioners then had no funds at
their disposal for such purposes, and could only refer the matter to the
towns and the general courts, with recommendations that some active
measures should be taken in behalf of the college.

The appropriation of ,£400 in 1636 by the General Court was simply
for the foundation of a school or college. It is not probable that at that
time any thought was bestowed upon the possible necessity of providing
for the education of the natives. After the free schools were founded
and provision was made for the admission of Indian children, the possi-
bility that there might be some Indian youths who would work their way
to Cambridge, may have suggested itself, but as a practical question it
was even then not of much moment. To secure Indian patronage for
public schools, it would have been imperative either to locate the schools
in the Indian villages or, if the schools were not thus situated, to pro-
vide for the maintenance of the Indian children while in attendance. Be-
sides, the rigid rules laid down by some of the towns fpr the conduct of
the pupils in these public schools must have proved an insurmountable
barrier to aspirants among the Indians for education.

Eliot understood the ways of children and the peculiarities of the
Indian people. He won their hearts by gifts and secured their attention
by various devices adapted to the age and condition of his pupils. His
success with the Indian children, and the deposit of funds in the hands
of the commissioners of the United Colonies, by the society for the Propa-
gation of the Gospel among the Indians, seems to have suggested to the
president and fellows of the college that the time had come when the com-
missioners might be induced to apply some of these funds to the construc-
tion of a dormitory at Cambridge. The work of the society for the Propa-
gation of the Gospel among the Indians would have to be carried on through
preachers who could speak the Indian tongue. On the one hand Harvard
college might be made a nursery for future Eliots, and on the other hand

THE INDIAN COLLEGE AT CAMBRIDGE 35

Eliot's work in teaching the natives might through school and college be
so improved as to produce the desired results. In either event, whether
in the education of white or native preachers, dormitories would be re-
quired for the students while at Cambridge, and this would justify the
commissioners in thus applying the funds of the society. This seems to
have been the line of argument used by the president and fellows in their
petition. Perhaps it would be better to give the rdsumd of the petition
contained in the answer of the commissioners, in September, 165 1. They
say: "By yours of August 27th, we understand that the former college
buildings are in a decaying condition and will require considerable change
ere long for a due repair, and through the increase of scholars, many
of them are forced to lodge in the town, which proves many ways incon-
venient and will necessarily require an enlargement of your buildings, for
which you propound, and we have seriously considered whether any help
may be had from the collections for the propagation of the Gospel
amongst the Indians, but cannot find by the Act of Parliament (now
passed), that any such liberty is granted. . . . "^(^ "^^^

" Yet we now desire Mr. Winslow to inquire the mind of the corpora-
tion therein, ourselves conceiving that the advancement of learning here
may also advance the work of Christ amongst the Indians and, accordingly,
out of that stock (as it comes in) should gladly contribute. Might we do it
without offence?"

While the commissioners expressed themselves flatly to the president
and fellows of the college to the effect that they would gladly contribute
from the funds of the corporation toward the general object of the
advancement of learning if they had felt at liberty to do so, the phrase-
ology of their London letter was couched in more courteous language. In
this they put forth the following tentative expression of opinion :

" It is apprehended by some, that according to the intent of the Act
of Parliament, an eye may be had in the distribution to the enlargement
of the college at Cambridge, whereof there is great need, and furtherance
of learning not so immediately, by respecting the Indian design, though we
fully concur not, yet desire to know what the apprehensions of the honored
corporation are herein." The language of this communication is involved,
but apparently the commissioners suggest an interpretation of their
powers which would permit the construction of a dormitory irrespective
of the question of Indians, an interpretation in which they say they do
not fully concur, but still they would like to know if the society approves
of it.

Apparently the officers of the corporation were not prepared to cut

36 THE INDIAN COLLEGE AT CAMBRIDGE

adrift entirely from the Indians in authorizing an expenditure of their
funds for the enlargement of accommodations for students at Cam-
bridge. Their consent appears, however, to have been obtained for the
erection of a dormitory capable of accommodating six Indians.

This appears from a letter to Winslow, September 24, 1653. in which
the commissioners say :

" What you proposed from the honorable corporation about six hope-
ful Indians to be trained-up at the college under some fit tutor, that, pre-
serving their own language, they may obtain the knowledge of other
tongues and dispense the Indian tongue in the college, we fully approve
as a hopeful way to further the work. But the college being already to
straits for the English students we shall be forced to raise some building
there for the convenience of such Indians, wherein we shall expend at
least one hundred pounds, desiring the building may be strong and durable
though plain."

This announcement was immediately followed by the following in-
structions to the commissioners from Massachusetts Bay:

" The commissioners for the Massachusetts are also desired to con-
sider and order the building of one entire room at the college for the
convenience of six hopeful Indian youths, to be trained-up there, according
to the advice received this year from the corporation in England, which
room may be two stories high, and built plain but strong and durable,
the charge not to exceed one hundred and twenty pounds besides glass,
which may be allowed out of the parcel the corporation hath lately sent
up on the Indian account."

On request of the president of the college, the commissioners were in
1654 authorized to alter the form of the building, " provided it exceed not
thirty feet in length and twenty in breadth."

Thus a building was secured. The fact that Caleb Cheeshahteaumuck
is the only Indian name which figures in the quinquennial catalogue muet
not be accepted as showing that there was but one Indian connected
with the college. There are scattered through the papers, from which
the foregoing extracts are taken, references to the Indians which show
that there were for several years from six to eight Indians pursuing their
studies at Cambridge, some in the grammar school, some in the college.
In May, 1659, the officers of the society write from Coopers' Hall asking
for information about their proteges: "We desire you," they say, " to
inform us as opportunity offers what number of Indians there are at the
university and what progress and proficiency they make in learning and to
what degree and manner they have obtained."

THE INDIAN COLLEGE AT CAMBRIDGE 37

To this the commissioners reply from Hartford in November of the
same year, giving the following rose-colored statement of the condition of
affairs at Cambridge :

" There are five Indian youths at Cambridge in the Latin school, whose
diligence and proficiency in their studies doth much encourage us to hope
that God is fitting them and preparing them for good instruments in this
great and desirable work. We have good testimony from those that are
prudent and pious that they are diligent in their studies and civil in their
carriage. And from the president of the college we have this testimony
in a letter directed to us the 23d of August, 1659, in these words : ' The
Indians in Mr. Arlett's school were examined openly by myself at the
public commencement, concerning their growth in the knowledge of the
Latin tongue, and, for their time, they gave good satisfaction to myself
and also to the honored and reverent overseers.' "

It is stated in the reply to the royal commissioners that in 1665, the
year that Cheeshahteaumuck graduated, the number present in the gram-
mar school and at college was eight, " one whereof is at college and ready
to commence." As we examine the various sources of information
open to us on this subject we find that about two-thirds of them were con-
tent with the education furnished by the school. The other third prose-
cuted for a while the higher studies of the college, and of these one only
had the perseverance to finish the course and take a degree) I have quoted
above the flattering picture of the conduct of these students which the com-
missioners in their report laid before the corporation. The results obtained
were not proportionate to the hopes which such a report was calculated
to raise. It may have been true that for a while the Indians pursued
their studies with interest, but Gookin speaks of them as becoming dis-
heartened, and leaving the school when almost ready to enter college.

According to Gookin the commissioners constructed "a house of
brick " which passed under the name of the Indian college. Its cost he
estimated at between three hundred and four hundred pounds. It was large
enough for twenty scholars, and was fitted with convenient lodgings and
studies. He says it was strong and substantial though not very capa-
cious. Edward Randolph, in his report on colonial affairs to the Privy
Council in 1676, mentions the Indian college.* He speaks of it as a
" small brick building, called the Indian college, where some Indians
did study, but now converted to a printing house." Dankers and Sluy-
ter, who visited Cambridge in 1680, say that they looked into the building
" through a broken paper sash." Thomas, in his History of Printing,
* Historical Collection relating to the Colonial Church, Vol. III., p 22,

38 THE INDIAN COLLEGE AT CAMBRIDGE

says : " This building was taken down many years since. It stood not far
from the other buildings of the college." These references furnish practi-
cally all the information we can gather concerning this building. It was a
simple brick structure, having oiled paper in the sashes in place of glass.
That this substitution was only partial would appear probable from the
fact that the commissioners in 1653 distinctly foreshadow the intention of
providing glass for the windows. We have no other testimony as to the
site of the building than that furnished by Thomas, who could never have
seen it. It is probable, however, that he knew approximately where it
stood.

Thus the little brick building, intended to be plain but strong and dur-
able, came into possession of the college. Chauncy, Dunster's successor,
had reaped the reward of Dunster's pertinacity. The accommodation
for six hopeful Indians had become adequate for twenty. The cost of the
building, which it was announced to the corporation would be one hundred
pounds, and which in the authorization given the commissioners of Massa-
chusetts was fixed at one hundred and twenty pounds, exclusive of glass,
had risen, according to Gookin, to nearly four hundred pounds. The
twenty Indian students who were to occupy it, or at any rate the greater
part of them, were still in the future. The college was short of dormi-
tories and here were vacant rooms. In 1656 Chauncy petitioned for the
privilege of using the vacant rooms as dormitories for white students.
The commissioners replied as follows :

" The commissioners are willing that the president, with the advice of
the commissioners of the Massachusetts and Mr. Eliot, may for one year
next ensuing improve the building to accommodate some English stu-
dents, provided the said building be by the corporation secured from any
damage that may befall the same through the use thereof."

This petition was renewed the next year, and the privilege of occu-
pancy was again granted for one year on the same terms. Apparently
the building became thereafter one of the regular dormitories of the
college without the necessity of renewed applications to the commissioners,
and was thus used so long as it remained habitable, except that the print-
ing-press was subsequently set up in one of the rooms. Special appropria-
tions made for Chauncy in 1664 and 1667 for services in behalf of Indians
may perhaps indicate that the building was at those dates used to some
extent for its original purpose.

The record is preserved of a meeting of the commissioners at which
consent was given that the " bricks belonging to the Indian college,
which is going to decay and become altogether useless," should be re-

THE INDIAN COLLEGE AT CAMBRIDGE 39

moved and used for an additional building to Harvard college, provided
studies should be furnished rent free in the new building for any Indian
student who might thereafter be sent to college." It was in pursuance
of this consent that in 1698 the bricks were sold to John Willis, and the
proceeds applied in payment for the cellar under the southerly end of the
first Stoughton Hall, a building which shared the fate of the first college
building and the Indian college. It was so poorly constructed that in
1780 it was found necessary to pull it down.

The interest which attaches to the history of the Indian college is
greatly increased by the fact that the building was evidently used as a
dormitory for white students during the greater part of its existence.
This is not a mere inference from the fact that specific consent was given
in 1656 and 1657 for the use of the building for that purpose, but can be
positively stated upon the authority of Gookin, who says that when he
wrote it had " hitherto been principally improved for to accommodate
English scholars and for placing and using a printing press belonging to
the college." The site of the building is conjecturally placed on the plan
in Eliot's history of the college in the southern part of the quadrangle,
near Gray's Hall.

Boston, Mass.

BURGOYNE'S DEFEAT AND SURRENDER

AN INQUIRY FROM AN ENGLISH STANDPOINT

I think there is no more interesting page in the history of this country
than the record of the operations carried on in the year 1777, which ended
in the capitulation of Major-General Burgoyne and his forces to the army
of the United States commanded by General Gates. It is an old story,
and has been often told from various standpoints ; but my object in the
present paper is to inquire into the causes of this surrender, and the cir-
cumstances preceding it.

The winter of 1776-77 was spent by Washington's little army at Valley
Forge, where the nature of the country afforded it excellent defense. The
English general, Howe, spent the corresponding period " snugly at Phila-
delphia," twenty-five miles distant, " enjoying his wine and his cards."
But far different was the aspect of affairs in the northern colonies. There
the command of the British forces had been transferred by an imbecile
ministry from General Sir Guy Carleton to General Burgoyne. Carleton
had now served several campaigns in that region, and consequently had
an extensive knowledge of the country and its people, and was thoroughly
well versed in the tactics and mode of fighting of the latter. On the
other hand, Burgoyne, albeit a gallant soldier and one who had seen much
service in Spain and elsewhere in Europe, was quite fresh to American
warfare. Sir Guy not unnaturally felt nettled at being superseded by
such a man at a time when offensive operations on a large scale were
meditated. He accordingly threw up his appointment as governor of
Canada, but consented to remain until the arrival of his successor.

The plan of attack, which Burgoyne was deputed to carry out, had been
u hatched " by the king of England, — whose knowledge of the art of war
was certainly as peculiar, if not as extensive, as the immortal Sam Wel-
ler's knowledge of public-houses, — Lord George Germaine, who, though
secretary of state for the colonies, had not much wit for anything, and
Burgoyne himself. This plan appears to have been, for the army to cap-
ture Ticonderoga and then march against Albany ; the fleet meanwhile to
ascend the River Hudson with another strong body of troops, under Gen7
eral Howe, on board, and join hands with Burgoyne. In this manner
the English would obtain complete control of the river, and the state

BURGOYNE'S DEFEAT AND SURRENDER 41

of New England, " the hot-bed of rebellion," would be reduced. The
scheme was good enough, but unhappily its execution lacked co-opera-
tion from the start, whilst the " strong body " of troops mentioned so
vaguely was not nearly strong enough. In point of fact, the force placed
under General Burgoyne's immediate command consisted of about seven
thousand regular infantry and cavalry — some three thousand of whom were
German mercenaries, hired by the English government at forty pounds
per man ; a corps of artillery; nearly three thousand French Canadians,
equipped as scouts, pioneers and baggage guards, and the usual crowd
of Indians. His division and brigade commanders were mostly good
officers — Major-Generals Philips and Riedesel, Brigadier-Generals Powell,
Frazer, Hamilton, and Specht.

One of Burgoyne's first proceedings was to hold a confab with his
Indian allies, whom he adjured to renounce their scalping propensities and
adhere to the Christian method of fighting. Of course the redskins prom-
ised all sorts of things, but not long afterward occurred the brutal
murder of Miss Jenny McCrea. At the same time Burgoyne took care
to mention to the colonists, in a proclamation which he issued, the many
brutalities practiced by the Indians.

At first all went well with the expedition. Being conveyed by water
to St. John, the English general marched thence toward Crown Point on
June 16, 1777. At Ticonderoga, where General St. Clair — the same, I
believe, who was defeated by the Indians in 1791 — was commandant of
only a weak garrison, the Americans retreated. Skenesboro' was the next
point to fall into the hands of the British. Well might John Adams exclaim
with emphasis : " We shall never be able to defend a post till we shoot a
general ! " General Schuyler, recognizing the importance of delaying
Burgoyne's march by all the means in his power, broke down the bridges,
obstructed the roads, and interrupted the navigation of Wood creek. But
congress would take no heed of Washington, who had a firm belief in the
soldierly qualities of Schuyler; the latter was superseded by General Gates.
Brigadier-Generals Lincoln and Benedict Arnold were appointed to com-
mand under Gates, and he was reinforced by Morgan's rifle corps and two
brigades from the highlands. Congress clearly meant " business." Mean-
while Burgoyne reached the Hudson ; but alas ! no General Howe was
there to co-operate with him — indeed, that extraordinary man seemed ut-
terly incapable of observing the movements of Washington and assisting
his confrere at one and the same time. And now it was that Burgoyne
began to appreciate the difficulties of his enterprise, the difficult nature
of the country, and the peculiar tactics adopted by the enemy. These

42 BURGOYNE'S DEFEAT AND SURRENDER

last perfectly astounded the British and Hessian troops, who failed to
see the fun in fighting a hidden foe armed with a deadly rifle.

Still, General Burgoyne is open to much criticism in that he was fool-
ish enough to further weaken his weak army by detaching small parties
to threaten the enemy at various places. One such detachment, under
Colonel Baum, was fallen upon at St. Corick's Mill by the husband of
" Molly Stark," and routed with the loss of 500 men, including Baum him-
self ; while another, commanded by Colonel St. Leger, after meeting with
some success, was very nearly cut off, and rejoined the main body with
difficulty. So far the English advance. The woods were by this time
swarming with militia flocking to Gates' standard.

With the passage of the Hudson by Burgoyne (which he effected on
September 13-14, 1777, by means of a bridge of boats), the second phase
of the campaign may be said to have commenced. " Burgoyne was now
in a position which demanded all the talents of a great general," says a
truthful English historian. " His forces were greatly reduced, those of
the enemy were greatly increased, and he was precisely in that situation,
amidst bogs and wildernesses, which Lord Barrington and Colonel Barre
had from the first declared would be fatal to any army." The United
States forces of Gates and Schuyler had been increased to 8,000, whilst
death and disease had correspondingly reduced the English to little more
than 4,000 fighting men. Moreover, Gates intrenched himself very skill-
fully on Bemus's Heights, protected by redoubts, swamps, woods, and
ravines. On September 19 Burgoyne took up ground in front of the
American left, himself commanding his own right wing, and Generals
Riedesel and Philips the left. About the middle of the afternoon Arnold's
division assailed the English right with great impetuosity, covered by a
cloud of sharpshooters who picked off the red-coats whenever they showed
themselves. General Gates adopted the simple but effective plan of rein-
forcing Arnold each time he was repulsed, and sending him forward again.
At length darkness ended the struggle ; each side had lost some five or
six hundred killed or wounded, but the British kept the field and claimed
the victory.

It may well be asked, why in the name of wonder did not Burgoyne
follow up any success he may have gained? " If ever a general needed to
push on his advantage it was now. Every day was consuming Burgoyne's
stores ; every day was augmenting the forces of the enemy. The country
was closed to Burgoyne : it was open with all its resources to the Ameri-
cans." In truth, the British commander had received a despatch from Sir
Henry Clinton, advising him not to count upon any help from General

BURGOYNE S DEFEAT AND SURRENDER 43

Howe, but that he (Clinton) would risk the responsibility of a diversion in
his favor by attacking Forts Montgomery and Clinton, on the lower
Hudson — and to which Burgoyne replied that he would remain in his
present position until October 12. This was the worst mistake he had yet
made. He certainly had not provisions enough to last till that date, his
cattle were actually dying for want of forage, and his Indians began to
desert in large numbers. The dashing Arnold now communicated to
Gates a scheme for capturing Ticonderoga, Mount Independence and Fort
George, and so getting upon Burgoyne's line of retreat via the lakes to
Canada. Gates acquiescing, a force of irregulars under Colonel Brown was
started upon this enterprise which, partially successful, alarmed Burgoyne,
whose retreat would now be a question of hard fighting.

Hearing nothing further from Clinton, Burgoyne, who was no longer
blind to the peril of his position, led out fifteen hundred picked men, and
endeavored to break through the American line. But General Arnold
proved a hard nut to crack, his marksmen picked off the gallant General
Frazer with their deadly rifles, and the British were forced back to camp
with the loss of their precious artillery, Colonel Brooks, too, at the head
of Jackson's Massachusetts regiment, took occasion by the hand, marched
around the English lines, and captured the baggage and ammunition of
the German brigade. This was just what Gates needed to carry on the
campaign. Burgoyne, who was reduced to thirty-five hundred men and
three days' rations, fell back during the night to a fresh position on
elevated ground. The next day was wasted in skirmishing, and the
British general, Lincoln, was disabled whilst reconnoitring. Gates was
proving himself to be a very able commander. He saw that the enemy's
design was to reach Fort George, and this he determined to frustrate by
carefully guarding every avenue of escape. Burgoyne's first march would
be to Saratoga, only six miles distant, but it was too late. He left 300
sick and wounded behind him, whom General Gates treated most kindly
and humanely. Arrived at the fords of the Fishkill, the English general,
who was now in a state bordering on desperation, having heard nothing
from Clinton, drove away a force of the enemy who would have barred
his passage. These, however, attacked his batteaux on the river, and
seized his remaining stores.

For the moment Burgoyne appears to have contemplated fighting his
way across the river, whence he hoped to make Fort Edward. In fact,
word was brought to Gates that he had effected a crossing, leaving only a
rear-guard in camp, and believing this, the former made his dispositions
for seizing the camp. At the last moment he heard from a spy or deserter

44 burgoyne's defeat and surrender

that he was mistaken in his surmise, and Burgoyne, who had thought to
fall upon and crush the Americans on their reaching the opposite bank,
had the mortification of seeing them retire again. His last chance was
gone. The road to Fort Edward was blocked up.

There is no need to dwell upon what followed. The result of a con-
ference with the officers was that General Burgoyne had an interview with
General Gates on the morning of October 14. At first the American
commander would listen to no terms but an unconditional surrender, but
on Burgoyne stating that he would never acknowledge his retreat cut off
while his troops had arms in their hands, Gates (who was well aware that
Clinton was drawing nearer and nearer) allowed him honorable terms.
Burgoyne soon became aware of the near approach of Clinton, but he
could not in honor draw back, and the capitulation was ratified. Gates,
who was nothing if not a polished gentleman, would neither attend the
humiliating spectacle of " grounding arms " nor allow his soldiers to be
present. By it 4,000 muskets, forty pieces of artillery, some stores, etc.,
became the property of the American Republic.

The news was followed by the resignation of General Sir William Howe,
the incapable commander-in-chief of his majesty's land forces in America.
His conduct had been culpable and apathetic enough, but observe the
careless demeanor of Burgoyne ; first, in not maintaining an unbroken con-
nection with the fleet on the lakes ; and, secondly, in advancing so far
without the prospect of co-operation from Sir William. Several times
during the fighting that followed he displayed high qualities as a soldier,
but Sir Guy Carleton should never have been removed — at any rate, in
favor of an officer fresh from Europe. And the disaster o£ Saratoga was
a foreshadowing of the greater disaster of Yorktown. The intelligence was
received with mingled feelings in England ; but perhaps the witty Mrs.
Inchbald, in criticising the carefully prepared description of the event for-
warded to his government by General Burgoyne, summed up the popular
sentiment best :

"The style charmed every reader; but he had better have beaten the
enemy and misspelt every word of his despatch, for so the great Duke of
Marlborough would have done ! "

RlCKMANSWORTH, HERTS, ENGLAND.

A CURIOUS AND IMPORTANT DISCOVERY IN INDIANA

THE CHIEF OF THE MIAMIS

Editor Magazine of A merican History :

There lately came into my possession some documents of great
historic interest, and which, I think, are worthy of preservation in your
valuable Magazine.

John Baptiste Richardville, whose Indian name was Pe-che-wa, or
" Wild Cat," was the last principal chief of the Miamis, once a powerful
confederacy which held for a long period the gateway to the West ; their
principal village being Ke-ki-on-ga, now Fort Wayne, Indiana.

He was the son of Tah-cum-wah, daughter of Chief Aque-nosh-qua,
and a sister of the famous chief Little Turtle, and was born about the
year 1761.

His father was Joseph Drouet de Richardville, who was long an Indian
trader at this point, and was, according to tradition, a scion of the nobility
of France.

A brother was trader at " Post St. Vincents," or Vincennes, and de-
scendants of his are still living there, in whose possession these remarkable
manuscripts are now preserved.

John Baptiste Richardville was a marked character in the history of
his times, and he and his family were exempted from the provisions of the
treaty by which the Miamis were required to seek new homes in the far
west, and remained here, his descendants, notwithstanding the admixture
of white blood, showing in every characteristic their Indian ancestry.

He left three daughters, La Blonde, Susan and Catharine. La Blonde
left a daughter who married James Godfrey, himself a Miami descended
from the same maternal stock and a French Canadian trader of that name.
Their family is respected, and are good citizens. Richardville died Aug-
ust 13, 1841, and was buried in the Catholic Cemetery, not far from the
place of his birth and residence.

That the tradition of his noble lineage was no myth is amply proven
by the curious old documents brought into the wilderness by these adven-
turous sons of France one hundred and sixty-four years ago, and which
have been so strangely preserved, to illustrate the links which bind us
through so many decades with the historic names of France.

46 A CURIOUS AND IMPORTANT DISCOVERY IN INDIANA

There seems little room for doubt that Chief Richardville was the son
of " Antoine Joseph, the son of Messire Denis Dydie Derout " (Drouet)
and " Dame Marie Jeanne Michel Lemadre," who was born March 30,
1723, the last of our genealogical tree, which carries us back almost to the
Middle Ages, to the time of William the Conqueror, and connects the
days of chivalry in France with the days of chivalry and adventure among
the savage tribes of America.

The first paper is the genealogical record, while the second seems
to be an adjudication of the family titles by the French King in the
year 1201, and are given exactly, as I am able to decipher them, as
follows :

Philipe Auguste par la Grace de Dieu Roy de France, etc., a tous presens et avenir
Salut Scauoire faisons que sur la Requisition du Sire Christophle Drouet Escuyer
Seigneur Dosiret Bragy et St. Phelix Musy Saint Pont, etc., Inspecteur de Cavalerie de
nos armees, par Laquelle Requisition Ledit Sire Christophle Drouet Seigneur Dosiret
Bragy Saint Phelix Musy Saint Pont, etc., Suplioit Notreditte Majeste de faire droit sur
la d'requisition aux fins d'Intreposse notre authoritee Royalle pour terminer les Con-
testations d'entre luy et le Sire Anthoine Datteuille, Seigneur Daubigny, au sujet du fief
dudit Musy Saint Pont, que le dit Sire Antoine Datteuille pretend Luy Estre Deusla
accause du Retrait feodal quil a Signified par Exploit du quinze januier Mil Deux Cent au
Domicile dudit Sire Christophle Drouet, Escuyer, Seigneur Dosiret Bragy Saint Phelix,
Musy Saint Pont, etc., paries pieces justificationes qu'il nous demontre, et par dautres
Connoissances don nous formees Certain; nous Etant fait Representer les Titres qui
pourroit concerner le dit Sire Christople Drouet, Escuyer Seigneur Dosiret Bragy Saint
Phelix Musy Saint Poirt, etc., de Soins de notre Conseil le sur le Veu d'Talle piece.
Voulant fauorablemem traitter le dit Sire Christophle Drouet Escuyer Seigneur Dosiret
Bragy Saint Phelix Musy Saint Pont, Supliant, Deboutons le dit Sire Antoine d'Atteuille,
Escuyer, Seigneur Daubigny de sa demande et representation delitre pour Bonne Le
droit dudit Sire Christophle Le Drouet, etc. Sur le fief noble dudit Musy Saint Pont et
comme ledit Sire Christophle Droue"t Escuyer Seigneur Dosiret Bragy Saint Phelix
Musy Saint Pont. Se trouuant dande l'impossibilete de les Representer attendu l'in-
cendie arrive' dans sa maison ordinaire, qui a 6t€ consomme ses meubles, papiere et effets
de ce diiment interquelle' lecture faite des Proces Verbeaux faits de l'£tat des lieux par les
Commissaires de notre pars envoyen ensembles les Informations faites des Temoins ouyu
sur la question de qui dependoit Ledit fief de Musy Saint Pont, et sur la Confrontation de
certain aueus et denombrement fournis aux predecesseurs dudit Sire Christophle Drouet
Escuyer Seigneur Dosiret Bragy Saint Phelix Musy Saint Pont par les Predecesseurs
meme dudit Sire Datteuille et faute pare ledit Sire Datteuille : Nauoir Represente vente,
Ventillation, ou Translation faite par les predecesseurs dudit Christophle Drouet Escuyer
Seigneur Dosiret Bragy, Saint Phelix, Musy Saint Pont etc., ou par luy dudit fief noble haut,
moyen et has justici£ dudit fief de Musy Saint Pont; le Condamnones a Reconnoitre ledit
Sire Christophle Drouet Seigneur Dosiret et Bragy, Saint Phelix, Musy Saint Pont pour
son Seigneur. Nous ayam paru quil Leloit par les aueus et denombrement cy dillud que

A CURIOUS AND IMPORTANT DISCOVERY IN INDIANA 47

ledit Sire Datteuille Seigneur Daubigny Releuoit dudit fief de Musy Saint Pont, etc.
Deluy fournir a cette cause [cause] tous les aueus et denombremens des Terres a luy
appartenantes qui se trouuem en la Monnence dudit fief; L' tout aux memes clauses
quil les pretendoient dudit Sire Christophle Drouet Escuyer Seigneur Dosiret Bragy
Saint Phelix Musy Saint Pont, etc. Condamnons en outre ledit Sire Datteuille, Seigneur
Daubigny aux frais tant du Retrait feodal que des autres frais des procedures faites au
Sujet de sa pretendue preliminaires sur ledit fief de Musy Saint Pont, Ensemble aux
droits vasseaux coruCes et vassalite pour les Terres aluy appartenantes qui se trouuem
dans la Monnence dudit Musy Saint Pont. En outre Condamnons ledit Sire Datteuille
Seigneur Daubigny Enuers Ledit Christophle Drouet Escuyer Seigneur Dosiret Bragy
Saint Pont, a Reparation Dho7i7icnr pour le Denis aluy fait de sa naissance, en le
mettant au neant jusqu'a Roture : Ensemble a restitution de titres audit Christophle
Drouet Escuyer Seigneur Dosiret Bragy Saint Pont, etc. Concernam Ledit fief de Musy
Saint Pont, et au las de Refus Tenu d'affirmer n'en pas auoir, de plus a la restitution des
fruits par luy Receuilles dudit fief de Musy Saint Pont que' est dependam dudit Sire
Christophle Drouet Escuyer, Seigneur de Bragy Dosiret Saint Phelix, Musy Saint Pont,
etc., depuis le jour quil s'en est saisy jusqua maintenant tant ensance. Rente, grains qu'en
argent droits Seigneuriaux Coupe, Vente, Ventillation faite des Bois et prix d'teux; Et
ce D'huy en six mois pour tout Delais; Et faute par luy de ce faire Permis audit Sire
Christophle Drouet Escuyer Seigneur Dosiret, Bragy Saint Phelix, Musy Saint Pont de
faire executer ces Presentes, et le contenu en iceles apres le terme d'huy en six mois
expire, en faisam saisir au corps ledit Antoine Datteuille, Seigneur Daubigny, sans quil
sott Besoin audit Christophle Drouet Escuyer Seigneur Dosiret Bragy St. Phelix, Musy
Saint Pont dautres choses. Mandons et enjoignons a tous nous officiers justiciers et autres
de tenir la main a lExecution de des Presentes sur la Requisition dudit Sire Christophle
Drouet Escuyer Seigneur Dosiret Bragy Saint Phelix Musy Saint Pont ou sur celle de
ses hoirs ou ayam cause ; Ordonnons au premier notre hussier ou sergem exploitant dans
lEtendue de notre Royaume de faire pour lExecution des Presentes et le Contenu
d'icelles Tous Actes requis et necessaires sans demander autre permission nonobstant
clameur de haro, et Lettres au contraires. Ces Presentes furent Donnees et accordees
Donnons et accordons avec pleine connoissance de cause pour servir (Et ce comme de
raison) de titres audit Sire Christophle Drouet Escuyer Seigneur Dosiret Bragy Saint
Phelix Musy Saint Pont, etc. Et ne pourra estre ledit Sire Inguiette sur lEtat de sa Nais-
sance; et ce Derogeam a toutes choses a ce contraires et au contenu d'icelles presentes. —
Car Tel Est Notre Plaisir.

Donne en notre Chateau de Paris audit Lieu ce vingt neuf januier Mil Deux Cent Un.

[Signe-] PHILIPE.

Auguste, de Notre Regne le quatrieme an, Et plusbas est escrit De Par Le Roy notre
om Sire Jean Baptiste Machianet et en marge est escrit alte appose Le Sceau ce
dernier dudit mois etan : Signe" Chopinet auec Grille et Paraphe. Je Soussigne Garde
Minutte et aux Archives des Lettres Patentes accordCes par notredit Seigneur Roy.
Certifie a tout quil appartendra que Le Present est Copie mot pour mot et con forme a
Loriginal qui est dans lesdittes Archives de nos dits Seigneur Roye, en foy de quoy Jay
Signe' Le Present pour Servir et Valoir autant quil convindra, a Paris ce vingt trois januier
Mil Sept Cent Trente Trois.

[Signe"] A. Broglio.

A CURIOUS AND IMPORTANT DISCOVERY IN INDIANA

Controlle a Dourdan ce vingt un fevrier Mil Sept Cent Trente Trois, Signe" Godar-
ville, scelle" Ledit jour et au que dessus. Secretaire Du Roy Maison Couronne de France,
de ses finances, ce vingt trois januier Mil Sept Cent Trente Trois Par Mon dit, etc.,

[Signe"] De Lafontaine.

Collationne sur vue Copie en Papier Timbre' represents pour demeurer au rang des
Minuttes du notaire soussigne, a Montreal ce neuf juin Mil Sept Cent Trente Six.

Raimbault fils,
Nre Royal.

Nous Pierre Raimbault, Conseiller du Roy et son Lieutenant General Civil et Criminel
au siege de la Jurisdiction de Montreal Certiffione, que Mre Raimbault quy a fait Lexpe-
dition des autres Parts est Notaire Royalle En Lad Jurisdiction et que foy en adjoute aux
actes quil passe, En foy de quoy nous auons signe ces Presentes, et ascelle fait
apposer Le Sceau de notre Jurisdiction et contresigne par notre Greffier. Fait a Montreal
le onze juin Mil Sept' Cent Trente Six.

P. Raimbault
Par Monsieur le Lieutenant General
C. PORTIER

[Seal] Greffier.

EXTRAIT DES GENEALOGIES

AlNES

Cadets

Filles

Messire Robert Phillippe Drouet )

Ecuyer Seigneur Dosiret Bragy I Messire Chris-
Saint Phelix Musi St. Pont et I tophle ne le
autres lieux eut de Dame Elisa- | I7d may 1162
beth Dauenquerque son Spouse J

Messire Christophle Drouet Ecu-
yer Seigneur Dosiret St. Phelix
Bragy Musi St. Pont et autres
lieux inspecteur de cavalerie
eut de Dalle Francoise Le Bottu
son e"pouse en premiere noce

Et Led!t Messire Christophle
Drouet Ecuyer Seigneur Dosi-
ret Saint Felix Musi St. Pont et
autres lieux eut de Damoiselle
Adelaide de Barrieres son Spouse
en seconde noce

Messire Charles Drouet Ecuyer
Seigneur des Saussayes St.
Amand Bauac et autres lieux
capitaine de cavalerie eut de Dlle
Le Brun de la Serisayes, son
Spouse

Mesre Charles
ne" le 4d feu>
rier 1202

Messire Alex- 1
andre Ce"sar, I
ne"le8d davril f
1239 J

Et Messire

Robert

Messire Louis

et
Messire Claude

Dlle Suson
Dlle Antoinette
Dlle Marie

Dlle Brigitte

et
Dlle Pe-tronille

A CURIOUS AND IMPORTANT DISCOVERY IN INDIANA

AlNES

Cadets

Filles

Messire Alexandre Cesar Drouet "]
Ecuyer, Seigneur des Saussayes
Bragy Musi St. Pont, Bauac et
autres lieux, eut de DIle Crasseur
de St. Mour, son epouse

Messire Pierre Drouet Ecuyer
Seigneur des Saussayes St.
Amand Bouac Beaucour et
atures lieux, capitaine d'infan-
terie, eut de Dlle Christine le
Seigneux, son epouse

Messire Michel Drouet Ecuyer
Seigneur d'Armancourt de
Bouval de Manorque des Bruy-
eres et autres lieux, eut de
Dame Louise de St. Genie
(veuve de Mesre gerome gra-
beau, Seigr des Martrais) son
epouse

Messire Gaspare! Melchior Drouet '
Ecuyer Seigneur Darmancourt
Saint Barthelemy, Moranges
Bonnal et autres lieux. Major du
regiment du Roy infanterie. Eut
de Dlle Claude du Verger son
Spouse

Messire Louis Drouet Ecuyer
Seigr Darmancourt Saint Bar-
thelemy, Moranges et autres
lieux, lieutenant du Roy destLo.
Eut de Dlle Henriette du Cerceau
St. Leger son epouse

Messire Rene Battazar Drouet
Ecuyer Seigneur Darmancourt
Saint Barthelemy, Moranges et
autres lieux, mestre de camp
de cavalerie eut de Damoiselle
Louise de Sont L'eveque son
e'pouse

Mesre Theodore Emanuel Drouet
Ecuyer Seigneur de Prille
Saint Paulis des Bois Boissi
uranget et autres lieux, capitaine
de cavalerie reforme. Eut de
Dame Marguerite de Valencay
(veuve de Mesre Joachim Eusebe
Dufournier) son epouse en pre-
miere noce

Et ledit Sire Theodore Emanuel,
etc. Eut de Dlle francoise Ni-
cole de Lavaux son e'pouse en
seconde noce

Vol. XXIV.-No. 1.-4

Messire Pierre, )
ne le lid sep- y
tembre 1260 \

D!le Marti ne

et
D11* Claudine

Mesre Paul et
Mesre Jean
Bapte mort en
bas age.

Messire Michel
7d juin

ne le
1291

I Mesre Ed me

Battazar

[ Mesre Sebastian
Mesre Denis
Mesre Etienne

Mesre Henry [

Mesre Gaspard
Melchior ne
le 27d may
1320

Mesre Louis ne*
le i2d Septbre
1364

Mesre Rene Bat-
tazar nele29d
feurier 1402.

Mesre Theodore 1 ,, rp T r
Emanuel ne I Mesre Iuhen et
le 2id octobre
1441

Mesre Jacques et

Mesre Mathurin

tous deux

morts en bas

age

{ D11* Grabelle
< Franchise et
( D1^ Marie

Dlle Marie

Louise

Mesr

Jean-
Baptiste )

Mesre Jacques,
ne le ijd juil-
let 1477

Mesre Michel et
Mesre Bona-

venture

A CURIOUS AND IMPORTANT DISCOVERY IN INDIANA

AlNES

Messire Jacques Drouet Ecuyer ]
Seigneur d'Orbec St. Maurice
Prille Auvray et autres lieux, |
President du Siege et Elections [
de Bourdan. Eut de Dlle Gene-
vieve Dosset de St. Remy, son
epouse J

Messire Pierre Drouet Ecuyer Sgr
de Lavaux d'Orbec, St. Mauri
Auvray et autres lieux, cape d'in- [
fanterie eut de Dlle Louise Chris- j
tine du Pousset son epouse J

Messire Abraham Eusebe Drouet, "1
Ecuyer, Seigr d'Orbec, de l'annux
Chaumusson et -autres lieux, I
lieutenant de cavalerie, eut j
de Dlle Emee d'Aubigny St. Ger-
main, son espouse

Mesre Pierre r\6
le premrmars
1506

Mesre Abraham "|
Eusebe, ne le I
dernier Xbre [
1533 J

Mesre Pierre ne
le 22d juillet
1559

Cadets

Dlle Henriette

et
Dlle Genevieve

Mesre Jerome et
Mesre Louis

FlLLES

Mesre Louis [ Dlle Elisabeth

Mesre Cha
ne le nd
1598

rles, [
juin J

Mesre Armand
Mesre Jacob
Mesre Michel

ignace J

Messire Claude

ne le
1633

15 ?

f MesreEtienne
Mesre Pierre
Mesre Louis
Mesre Charles

Messire Pierre Drouet Ecuyer "]
Seigneur du Sommeray Chau- |
mussonet autres lieux. Brigadier !
des armees du Roy. Eut de Dlle '
Marguerite le Boixtel, son
epouse

Messire Charles Droue't Ecuyer ]
Seigneur du Sommeray Chau- I
musson et autres lieux, Lieutent j
colonel au regiment de Piemont,
infanterie. Eut de . Damoislle
Louise Bourdon, son epouse

Messire Claude Drouet Ecuyer "]
Seigneur de Baudricourt Bajolet
et autres lieux. Lieutenant
criminel de robe courte de
Bourdan avocat au Grand
Conseil substitut de Messieurs
lesMarechauxde France. Eutde
Dame Apoline de Soissone son
Spouse

Ce"t ExtraitVuLu et Collationne' sur L'original represente" et al'instant rendu par nous.
Lieutenant General de la ville, jurisdiction et election de Dourdan, sousigne" ce vingt neuf
Januier Mil Sept Cent Trente Trois. [Sign£] Le Boixtel,

Avec paraphe, Era Cotte Est Ecrit.

Control^ a Dourdan, le vingt un feburie Mil Sept Cent Trente Trois.

[Signe"] Godarville.

Scelle Led jour et au que dessu.

Messire Claude Drouet
EscuER SR de Richardville
Ne" Le i7d Xbre 16.

Messire Claude,
Drouet de
Richardville
ne le I7d Xbre
1665

Mesre Denis

Didier

Dlle Louise

A CURIOUS AND IMPORTANT DISCOVERY IN INDIANA

AlNES

Cadets

Filles

Messire Claude Derouet Ecuyer
Sr de Richardville officier des
Trouppes D'on Detachement de
la Marinne, entretenous en Can-
ada pour le Service du Roy.
Eut cle Dame Marie Jeanne
Derozier son epouse

Messire Denis
Dydie, ne le
6d may 1693

Messire Denis Dydie Escuyer Sr ~] Aine*. Messire
Derout de Bagolet eut de Dame ! Antoine Jo-
Marie Jeanne Michel Lemadre f sephnele30d
son e"pouse J mar 1723

Armand n£ le

25d mar 1695
Michelignac ne

le 28d 8bre

1697
Antoine ne' le

27d mar 1699
Etienne ne le

2idavril 1705 [■ 1703

Damlle M. Jo-
sepha nee le
26d juillet

Jean Louis ne le

4dde may 1707

Pierre Charles

n6 le 27d 7bre

1712
Claude Antoine

ne le 27d

feurie 17 15

Claude, ne le "]
3d Xbre 1724

Michel, ne le iod
may 1726

Louis, ne le 29d
avril 1728

Damlle Gene-
vieve nee le

2d gbre Yjlo

Dlle Appoline

ne'e le 6d de

may 1720
Dlle Marie Anne

nee le 3d 9bre

1721

Collatione sur une Coppie per timbre represents pour Demeurer au Rang des minutes
du Notaire soussigne a Montreal ce neuf juin mil sept cent trente six.

Raimbault fils,
Nre royal.

Nous Pierre Raimbault Come du Roy Lieutenant-General Civil
[wax seal] et Criminel au seige Royalle de Montreal

Certiffione que Me Raimbault quy a fait Lexpedition des autres
Parts est Notaire Royalle en lad jurisdiction et que foy est adjoute aux actes quel pase, en
foy de quoy nous avons * ces Presentes. Et ascelle fait apposer Le Sceau de Notre juris-
diction. Et Contresigne par Notre Greffier. Fait a Montreal le Onze juin Mil Sept Cent
Trente Six. P. Raimbault,

Par Monsieur le Lieutenant General
C. PORTIER,

[seal] Greffier.

1
[* "Signe"" is omitted by the scrivener. — R.]

Respectfully yours,
Fort Wayne, Indiana

PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S HUMOR

President Lincoln had humor of which he was totally unconscious.
He said wonderfully witty things, but never from a desire to be witty.
His wit was entirely illustrative. He used it because at times he could
say more in this way and better illustrate an idea. He never cared how
he made a point, so that he made it, and he never told a story for the mere
sake of telling a story. He was a master of satire, which was at times as
blunt as a meat-axe and at others as keen as a razor ; but it was always
kindly except when some horrible injustice was its inspiration, and then it
was terrible.

In my interview the name came up of a recently deceased politician of
Illinois, whose undeniable merit was blemished by an overweening vanity.
His funeral was very largely attended. " If," said Mr. Lincoln, " General

had known how big a funeral he would have had, he would have

died years ago." His flow of humor was a sparkling spring gushing out
of a rock ; the flashing water had a sombre background which made it all
the brighter. Whenever merriment came over that wonderful countenance
it was like a gleam of sunshine upon a cloud — it illuminated but did not
dissipate.

This was in 1858. Lincoln said he should carry the state on the pop-
ular vote, but that Douglas would nevertheless be elected to the senate,
owing to the skillful manner in which the state had been districted in his
interest. " You can't overturn a pyramid," he said, " but you can under-
mine it : that's what I have been trying to do." He undermined the pyra-
mid the astute Douglas had erected most effectually. It toppled and fell
very shortly afterward.

Nothing so illustrates the fact that events are stronger than men, and
that one attacking an evil can never commence using the little end of a
club without changing very soon to the butt, than the position of Lincoln
at this time. The Republican leaders, and Lincoln as well, were afraid of
only one thing, and that was of having imputed to them any desire to
abolish slavery. Douglas in all the debates between himself and Lincoln
attempted to fasten abolition upon him, and this it was his chief desire to
avoid. Great as he was, he had not then reached the point of declaring
war upon slavery ; he could go no farther than to protest against its ex-
tension into the territories, and that was pressed in so mild and hesitating

PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S HUMOR 53

a way as to rob it of half its point. Did he foresee that within a few
years the irresistible force of events would compel him to demand its ex-
tinction, and that his hand would sign the document that killed it ? Logic
is mightier than man's reason. He did not realize that the reason for pre-
venting its extinction was the very best reason for its extinction. Any-
thing that should be restricted should be killed. It took a war to bring
about this conclusion. Liberty got its best growth from blood-stained
fields.

I met Lincoln again in 1859, m Columbus, Ohio, where he made a
speech which was only a continuation of the Illinois debates of the year
before. Douglas had been previously brought there by the Democracy,
and Lincoln's speech was in the main an answer to Douglas. It is curious
to note in this speech that Lincoln denied being in favor of negro suffrage,
and took pains to go out of his way to affirm his support of the law of
Illinois forbidding the intermarriage of whites and negroes. I asked him
if such a denial was worth while, to which he replied : " The law means
nothing. I shall never marry a negress, but I have no objection to any
one else doing so. If a white man wants to marry a negro woman, let him
do it — if the negro woman can stand it. Slavery," said he, " is doomed,
and that within a few years. Even Judge Douglas admits it to be an evil,
and an evil can't stand discussion. In discussing it we have taught a
great many thousands of people to hate it who had never given it a thought
before."

The " Nasby letters," which I began in 1861, attracted his attention,
and he was very much pleased with them. He read them regularly. He
kept a pamphlet which contained the first numbers of the series in a
drawer in his table, and it was his wont to read them on all occasions to
his visitors, no matter who they might be or what their business was. He
seriously offended many grave senators who came charged to the brim with
important business — business on which the fate of the nation depended —
by postponing the consideration of their matters while he read them a
letter from " Saints' Rest, wich is in the state uv Noo Jersey."

David R. Locke's Reminiscences of Lincoln.

OUR RELATION TO THE PAST A DEBT TO THE FUTURE*

Our prevailing sentiment to-day, I am sure, is one of gratitude — of
gratitude touched with generous pride. We rebuild the sepulchres of our
fathers, not with Pharisaism, but with devout and humble thankfulness.
We rejoice as we ought in our godly ancestry and our goodly heritage.
Many of us can look back through an unbroken lineage of six, seven, or
eight generations of good and true men and women to the very beginnings
of Anglo-Saxon life on this western continent. We are thankful for the
u blood of ancestry, in which," as Lamartine says, "is found the prophecy of
destiny." To-day we trace our connection with the mighty past. We de-
vote the hours to what the conveyancers call " searching the title," generally
the most important and the most profitable work which the conveyancer
has to do. There is this difference, however, with us. We search our own
title, save the conveyancer's fees, and keep the profit to ourselves. At
any rate our legal adviser is one of ourselves, belongs to the family, and
has common interest with us. The HEDGES have been kept up well.

We find ourselves to-day standing in close connection with all that was
greatest, noblest, and best in the mother-land in the most heroic period
of her magnificent history. No other period of equal length in that his-
tory presents us with such impressive contrasts of good and evil, piety
and wickedness, sainthood and diabolism, profound learning and brutish
ignorance, high tragedy and low comedy, as the great central portion
of the seventeenth century in which our eastern English towns were colo-
nized. It was an age of immense literary activity. If we leave out
of account the single name of Shakspeare, the first settlers of South-
ampton were contemporary with a body of men vastly superior in num-
bers and in weight to those who gave its lustre to the boasted age of Eliza-
beth. Glance for a moment at a handful of names caught up almost at
random from the central half of that century's history — names which must
have been as familiar to our fathers as are those of Gladstone, and Grant,
and Bismarck, and Stanley, and Tennyson, and Longfellow to ourselves.
The church was renowned during these years by such a constellation as
never shone before or since upon her calendars. There were Jeremy Taylor
and Bishop Ken, Tillotson and Barrow and South, Bishop Burnet and

* Address at the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the settlement of Southampton, Long
Island, June 12, iSgo.

OUR RELATION TO THE PAST A DEBT TO THE FUTURE 55

Archbishop Usher, Thos. Fuller, and Bishop Hall. And the Puritans
fully matched the church, with Baxter and Owen and Bunyan, John Howe
and Philip Henry. Sir Matthew Hale was Lord Chief Justice of the King's
Bench, Sir Isaac Newton was writing his Principia, Shakspcarc had been
but few years dead when our settlers came — some of our fathers may
have seen and talked with him — Ben Jonson was living, and Sir Wm.
Davenant. And then there were a host of poets and dramatists, big and
little, ranging almost from the zenith of angelic song down to the nadir of
the Restoration grossness and blasphemy : holy Geo. Herbert, and Milton
singing of Paradise Lost and Regained, and Fras. Quarles and Habington
and Crashaw, Dryden and Butler, Cowley and Waller and Lovelace and
Prior, Dorset and Roscommon, Sedley and Rochester and Etherege and
Wycherly. What a list ! headed with glory and ending with the stench
of the sulphurous pit ! And the philosophers and historians — Cud-
worth and Hobbes and Henry More, Clarendon and Evelyn and Burnet
and Pepys with their scandals and tittle-tattle. And finally, to cut short
what might be indefinitely extended, and leave sweeter suggestions in
our thoughts — Izaak Walton, angler and contemplative saint, and patient
Lady Rachel Russell.

Our settlers saw the whole wretched career of the Stuart dynasty, its
interruption by the Protectorate, its brief and disgraceful Restoration, its
downfall in the Revolution and the safe re-launching of the ship of state
with William of Orange at the helm. In this brief space came the plague,
the great fire of London, the Westminster Assembly, the long Parliament,
the Savoy Conference, and the ejection of two thousand of the best minis-
ters of the church of England by the Act of Uniformity. The canvass of
the century is crowded with notable figures and mighty events. We can-
not dissipate time and thought by dwelling upon the general scene. I
have hinted at it only by way of furnishing a proper background. The
central and most important fact is what chiefly concerns us here and now,
the evolution from this melange of the Puritan life which gave birth to the
New England colonies, those of Long Island being among them.

At the core of the Puritan movement there was a two-fold protest —
against class-privilege in church and state, and against worldliness of life.
For several centuries the church of England and the great universities
which were its feeders had done little for the great masses of the people.
The church cared little or nothing for the man who plowed the fields
save to be sure of receiving her tithes from his crops. All learning, whether
secular or religious, was reserved as the peculiar privilege of the uppermost
stratum of society. Church and aristocracy were bound together in closest

56 OUR RELATION TO THE PAST A DEBT TO THE FUTURE

alliance — were almost identified, indeed, in their mutual and exclusive
devotion to each other's interests. They would christen, marry, and bury
the poor rustic at the times respectively appropriate for such slender ser-
vices, provided the appropriate fees were forthcoming, and God might take
care of his soul. Sir James Stephen, surely an unprejudiced witness, tells
only the sober truth when he says : " To the great, the learned, the world-
ly-wise, the church for three centuries afforded a resting-place and a refuge.
But a long interval elapsed before the national temples and hierarchy were
consecrated to the nobler end of enlightening the ignorant and administer-
ing comfort to the poor. Rich beyond all Protestant rivalry in sacred
literature, the Church of England, from the days of Parker to those of
Laud, had scarcely produced any one considerable work of popular instruc-
tion. The reigns of Whitgift, Bancroft, and Laud were unmolested by
any cares so rude as those of evangelizing the artisans and peasantry.
Jewell and Bull, Hall and Donne, Hooker and Taylor, lived and wrote for
their peers, and for future ages, but not for the commonalty of their own." *
But Puritanism created a new era. It did something far greater than bring
in the commonwealth politically. It revealed " the Republic of God," and
insisted upon the blessings of Christianity as the rightful possession of all
human souls — the " commonwealth" — in which no man can claim a share
to the exclusion of his lowliest neighbor. The Pilgrim s Progress threw open
not only the mansions of the Celestial City, but all the immunities and priv-
ileges to be found by the way to the tinkers of Bedford. And the Sainfs
Everlasting Rest brought the brightest cheer and the most lustrous hopes
of the Gospel of the blessed God into the cabin of the humblest weaver of
Kidderminster. No wonder our grandmothers were wont to keep these
old Puritan books where you and I used to see them in our childhood upon
the stand along with the old family Bible, and venerate them with an
almost equal reverence. The movement was also a protest against world-
liness, formalism, and immorality of life.

With our Puritan forefathers, religion and the church meant supremely
personal religion and obedience to the personal conscience. ''It meant truth
and righteousness, obedience and purity, reverence and intelligence every-
where— in the family and in the field, in the shop and in the meeting-house,
in the pulpit and on the bench. When they came here it meant compas-
sion and charity toward the savages among whom they found themselves,
and good works as the daily outcome of their faith." f Ihave heard it

• Sir James Stephen's Miscellanies, Essay on the Life and Times of Richard Baxter.

f Bishop H. C. Potter, Address before the New England Society, New York, December

23, 1878.

OUR RELATION TO THE PAST A DEBT TO THE FUTURE 57

hinted that the Puritan was an uncomfortable neighbor, a hard man to get
along with. The fact, if it were a fact, came out of this protest of which
I have spoken. A half-dozen unimpeachable yard-sticks, I take it, would
make uncomfortable companions in a load of very crooked cord-wood.
The moral law is an uncomfortable thing in an immoral community, be-
cause by it is the knowledge of sin. But it is too late in the day to set up
a defense of the Puritans. They need none. Their works have gloriously
followed them. We may be content to leave the charges of the past to
the records of history. The gross and festering scurrilities of Hudibras are
abundantly offset by the Pilgrim's Progress, the Paradise Lost, and the
Saint's Rest. John Winthrop and William Brewster and Abraham Pierson :
there are no names of kings or courtiers in the seventeenth century to
rival these in brightness — none that in passing have left behind them a
track of beauty and of blessing more lustrous, more beneficent, more per-
manent. We may claim it, for it is easy of demonstration, yet the seeds
of our liberty, our toleration, our free institutions, our church not estab-
lished by law, but establishing itself in the hearts of men, were all in
the simple and single devotion to the truth, so far as it was revealed to
them, which was the supreme characteristic of our Puritan forefathers.

For two centuries and more the old Puritan spirit and the old Puritan
life have been maintained to a very remarkable degree in these eastern
towns. It has largely constituted their charm for those who have been
so fortunate as to stray in upon them from the outside world. They
have been like sheltered nooks of quiet and undisturbed repose to the
townsman wearied by the rub and tear of a more compact and secular
life. Our Eastern towns owing to their insular position have been com-
paratively isolated. Their inhabitants, marrying much among themselves,
have strongly preserved hereditary traits and traditions. They have been
most naively and attractively sui generis. The influence of these broad,
level lands and open-eyed skies has been kindly to the preservation of a
religious and worshipful temper never found so dominant where men are
shut in between narrow walls of city or even of mountain life. The sailor
life of such a large proportion of the population has also conspired to
hold the common thought in intercourse with infinity and eternity. The
hard work upon the farm and the livelihood wrested from the waves have
alike nursed the sterner virtues of prudence, economy and independence.

But the war and the railroad have made a new Long Island. Life is be-
coming more various and complex, and more completely assimilated to the
life of the woi»ld. I suppose there are rustlers now in the streets which once
knew nothing more lively than Deacon John White's " schooner," or Cap-

58 OUR RELATION TO THE PAST A DEBT TO THE FUTURE

tain Bill Green's new horse. There is certainly a new Southampton. And
with all our laudation of the past to-day, I do not suppose that any of us
desire that the good old town should be remanded to the Puritan times.
Many things that were good in their day ought to become obsolete. " God
fulfills himself in many ways, lest one good custom should corrupt the
world." It is not the good old customs that need to be preserved, but the
good old spirit. The essentials of true life never change; the forms of life
are ever variable. Water, air, light, retain through the ages the identity of
their composition. The cup, the wind, the lamp, will be adaptable. Out
of the old-time life there has come down a shining current of thought,
power, purity, and moral energy. That current, however it may broaden,
deepen, strengthen, and cut for itself new channels, must not be interrupted.
Our business is to see to it that these same elements which made our
fathers what they were and gave us whatsoever virtues we possess, shall go
on into the future.

And now permit me to use the few moments that remain to me, in
urging upon you the importance of guarding with some greater care the
vouchers of your noble descent, the memorials of your venerable history.
Our gratitude to-day ought to materialize in an endeavor, which shall
reach down into the future. Lord Macaulay has said that " any people
who are indifferent to the noble achievements of remote ancestors, are not
likely to achieve anything worthy to be remembered by their descendants."
I am sure, from what I have seen both at home and abroad, that there is
no force to hold a community up to virtue like a perpetual impression of
noble descent. The memorials of the fathers are the safeguards of the
children. The thought of Westminster Abbey fired the heroism of Nelson
at the battle of the Nile. The crossed swords in Prescott's study did not
make a soldier of Prescott, but they nursed in him a brave, heroic spirit
which enabled him under sorest calamity to win the choicest victories in
the battle of a scholar's life. Many of our town's most precious memorials
have vanished forever.

Our fathers were too busy in planting and colonizing, in wresting life
from hard conditions, to think much about leaving behind them personal
souvenirs. We have few of their portraits, few of their letters, few of the
books they handled, few of the household materials which ministered to
the narrow comforts of their life. The golden opportunities for construct-
ing the infant history of our colony have for the most part passed away.
Those which remain ought to be seized with the greatest avidity. Negli-
gence here and now is criminal. Much has been done by the intelligent
and reverent researches of Judge Hedges, Mr. Howell, and Mr. Pelletreau.

OUR RELATION TO THE PAST A DEBT TO THE FUTURE 59

Two hundred and fifty years from to-day the men of Southampton will be
more grateful for their work, if possible, than we are. A noble beginning
has been made in the History of Southampton and the printing of the town
records, worth more than their weight in gold. It makes one shiver to
think how those priceless pages from generation to generation were
moved about in an old wrooden chest from one garret to another, now to a
grocery store, and now to a shop, and now to some farmer's bedroom, sub-
jected to the contingencies of flames and to the certainty of rats. " After
us the deluge ! "

The present era of historical criticism is giving us back the ages that
were beyond the flood, showing us the habitations men lodged in, the gar-
ments they wore, the food they ate, the language they spoke, their method
of social intercourse, and the sort of government under which they lived.
They have resurrected the Pharaoh of the Exodus and given us his photo-
graph. I would give more to see the face of Abraham Pierson and to get a
vision of the life of Old Town as it was in 1645. But alas for us ! It is far
easier for us to get a picture of Zoar or Nebuchadnezzar. Now let us re-
member that as we feel about the memorials of the settlers the men of the
generations to come will feel interested in us. We owe a debt both to the
past and to the future, which it is high time for us to begin to pay. Pardon
me. We have begun — but only begun. Shall I give you an outline of what
ought to be in this fine old town, of what it will be a shame by and by if
it is not, in this oldest English town of the empire state, pace Dr. Whitaker?

First then I would like to see the fairest lot of land to be found be-
tween Long Springs and the beach devoted to a memorial use. Spare an
acre or two from your generous farms, upon it to be erected a modest but
dignified structure of stone or of brick, fire-proof, which shall contain
primarily a public library. Mr. Howell and Mr. Pelletreau, how much do I
owe to that old district library that used to be kept in Captain Harry
Halsey's back kitchen ! It did not do as much perhaps to fit us for col-
lege examinations as the old academy, but that back kitchen was the porch
through which we entered into the knowledge of good literature. Let the
library room serve also as a memorial hall in which tablets shall be placed
inscribed with the names of the first colonists, the names, so far as they can
now be recovered, of those who served in the wars of the Revolution and of
1812, and above all, of those who enlisted in the war for the preservation of
the Republic. Let those be thus remembered also who have deserved well
of the old town for their conspicuous service, whether in civil, judicial, or
executive relations. Let a place be provided also in the building for the
town clerk's office and for the preservation of its records. Then into this

60 OUR RELATION TO THE PAST A DEBT TO THE FUTURE

repository let every native and every citizen take a pride in gathering what-
ever shall preserve the memory of the past or throw a light upon its life.
The place and time to begin are here and now.

Begin with to-day and work backward as fast and as far as possible.
Let the records of this notable anniversary be religiously preserved. Is
there in existence a complete file of our town's breezy little newspaper, the
Sea-Side Times ? Believe me if it is not gathered at once, in a few years
it will be utterly impossible. What would not a perfect file of the old
Suffolk Gazette, the Sag Harbor Corrector, or of its younger contemporary
be worth? Do you know that for thirty years without a break the old
DaboWs Almanac, which used to hang in the chimney corner of every farm-
house, gave the names of ships owned in the port of Sag Harbor, their ton-
nage, the names of their agents, the names of their commanders and their
last date of sailing? Who has a file of them covering that thirty years
from '44 to '74? I would like to see a complete set of the school-books
used by my old grandfather Squire Herrick during the long time that he
served in the two-fold capacity of pedagogue and town clerk, to say nothing
of the primers and horn-books of a remoter age. But I cannot even find a
Peter Parley's Geography with its wonderful poetry,

" This world is round and like a ball,
Goes swinging through the air,
The atmosphere surrounds it all,
And stars are shining there,"

which I used to study wearily in the long summer afternoons in the
dame-school of good Mrs. Proud. Who can furnish a complete list of Dr.
Wilson's printed discourses — two on the death of President Harrison, one
on the Rev. Samuel Huntting, one of our most beloved young townsmen,
who died when he had barely assumed the pastorate of our sister church of
East Hampton, one on Rev. Amzi Francis, and various thanksgiving and
fast-day discourses ? And the sermons of Mr. Bogart, to go no further back,
that polished gentleman and ripe scholar whom we Yankees wooed and
won from the Dutch at the West. Where are the Journals of our Early
Whalers ? Where, O where, is the log-book of Captain Mercator Cooper
on that historic voyage which gave to Southampton the honor of opening
up Japan and introducing the wTonderful people to the family of nations?
Where are preserved the portraits of Judges Halsey and Rose, par nobile
fratrum, and I may ask also, of his honor the orator-in-chief of our anni-
versary? The best materials for the construction of future history are
evanescent. I make a plea for their salvation in behalf of those who come
after us. They cost little or nothing at the time of their issue, their loss

OUR RELATION TO THE PAST A DEBT TO THE FUTURE 6l

is utterly irreparable. Let me note this fact by way of encouragement, a
fact abundantly verified in my own experience, of which if there were
time I could give you abundant and most romantic illustration. When-
ever an individual or a community fairly enters upon this work of preserv-
ing the memorials of the past, a sort of whirlpool current is created about
the collection which rapidly brings in the rarest materials, even from the
most distant and unpromising quarters. Gradually the past will be restored,
the lost will be found. Long-hidden treasures will leap from their hiding-
places to find their companions and congenial associates. To him that
hath shall be given, but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that
which he hath. How much of value has been thrown away for want of a
place to keep it ! The spaces upon your shelves or in your cases will appeal
powerfully to generous possessors. In the long run things tend to go where
they are greatly wanted and where they ought to be. Thus gradually there
will come to be in our midst nothing less than a sort of village university,
at once a centre and fountain of reverend and patriotic influences, a fos-
tering nurse of affectionate veneration for the past, of brotherly feeling
and social good-will for the present, of generous forethought for the great
future, whose generations will bless us in the coming centuries as to-day
we bless the memory of our goodly ancestors.

/pUA^AA-^rrnlcJ^

Boston, Massachusetts.

SOUTHAMPTON IN HISTORY

No town on the American continent has led a more unostentatious and
uneventful career than Southampton, Long Island, yet in celebrating its
two hundred and fiftieth birth-year it has stepped securely into public
notice with a record of conspicuous interest. Its antiquity gives it the
lead among its fellows. Judge Henry P. Hedges, in his historical address
on the 12th of June, 1890, pronounces it " the earliest and first born of the
English-settled towns on Long Island and in the state of New York, dissi-
pating myth and conjecture and doubt, commencing the earliest of any town
on Long Island, continuing in unbroken succession to the present day.
Wider reflection, ampler research and crucial controversy confirm this title."

In 1640 the eastern part of Long Island was only a flat and weird
wilderness inhabited by untutored Indians. A few brave young pioneers
who had paused in Lynn, Massachusetts, before determining upon a per-
manent location of residence, crossed the waters of the sound under the
auspices of James Farrett, agent of the Earl of Stirling, who had been
granted the whole of Long Island by the Plymouth Company in England
and who was anxious to sell his lands to parties who would found perma-
nent settlements. The Dutch of New York were surprised and indignant
as they claimed that entire territory ; but they were chiefly occupied in
maintaining possession of the western part of Long Island, thus could
give little heed to what was going on in the more distant forests. " This
lone colony at Southampton," said Judge Hedges, " remote from any other
English settlement, divided by Peconic bay from Southold and yet further
removed from the island stronghold of staunch Lyon Gardiner, surrounded
by wild beasts and wild Indians, was like a ship adrift on the ocean, its
company uncommanded, unofficered, undisciplined, its course undeter-
mined, its voyage undecided, its destiny unknown. Will the company
select and submit to the command of the best men? Will they enforce
discipline ? " He proceeded to describe their primitive houses and plans for
tilling the soil. " Edward Howell, first of all the company styled ' gentle-
man,' seems to have been the most wealthy, and the father of the colony.
Before the erection of a church edifice, Sabbath worship may have been
held at his house, as the amplest for the purpose. As early as 1645 allu-
sion is made in the town records to a church previously built, probably in
1641. Abraham Pierson, the first minister, held to the exclusive right of

SOUTHAMPTON IN HISTORY 63

the church to govern in both church and state. Going back in fancy a
little less than five half centuries to some bright Sabbath morning we might
see some forty rude dwellings sheltering as many families, compactly clus-
tered on either side of the then Southampton street, each dwelling fortified
by inclosures of palisades, and all guarded by like surrounding fortifications.
Near the centre are both watch-house and church. The rolling drum-beat
of Thomas Sayre calls the worshipers. Parents, preceding children and
servants, move to the church. The deacons sit fronting the audience, who
are seated according to rank and station, the men and women divided by
a centre line. The soldiers, with their arms, are placed conveniently for
defense near the door. Minister Pierson, serious, spiritual, severe, just,
learned, logical, positive, presides over the assembly. With solemn air
they await his utterance. With accent stern he invokes that Jehovah who
thundered from Sinai. *

The political organizing governing genius of these pioneers shone con-
spicuously in their town meetings. This meeting was composed of that
body of freemen accepted as such by the voters of themselves and those
only. It was required that a freeman be twenty-one years of age, of ' sober
and peaceable conversation, orthodox in the fundamentals of religion and
have a rateable estate of the value of ^*20.> The suffrage was limited, but
not so far as to prevent the government in the main from being the wisest
expression of the popular will. Six freemen and one magistrate being
present constituted a quorum for business. This town meeting, called the
1 General Court,' because, in the first instance, it tried important cases
above the magistrates' jurisdiction and heard appeals from their decisions,
elected all town officers, and when convened for such election, was called
a' court of election.' Of necessity the court must exercise powers of the
widest scope, comprising subjects domestic, foreign, civil, martial, military,
commercial, religious, national, sovereign.

The colony swung free and, solitary as an orb in space, must control
itself or fall. Practically it did so govern. If an unwelcome inhabitant
sought to intrude himself into their community they would not accept him
as such. Whom they would they accepted and whom they would they
rejected. A power as sovereign as that of naturalization they exercised
without scruple or doubt, and often forbade the entrance of convicts and
tramps into their community. No drone was allowed in their hive. No

* Rev. Abraham Pierson was a graduate from Trinity college, Cambridge, in 1632 ; he remained
six or seven years in Southampton, and then removed to Connecticut, becoming in 1668 the first
minister of Newark, New Jersey. His son, Rev. Abraham Pierson, born in 1645, in Southampton,
became celebrated for classical learning and was chosen the first president of Yale college.

64 SOUTHAMPTON IN HISTORY

crime escaped its prescribed penalty. The records abound in instances of
the exercise of the highest powers. If an inhabitant desired to sell his
land to a stranger, unless allowed by the town, he could no more then
invest an alien with title than he can now do so under our present law of
escheat. The town meeting moved with the momentum of the many, and
put down private and personal opposition. Fist law and shotgun law and
chaos failed. Town meeting reigned. Some of the most strong-willed,
pugnacious, combative souls that first trod this continent tried their indi-
vidual strength against the collected will of the town. The beating wave
no more moves the unshaken rock than the individual wave of wrath moved
the town meeting from its position. "

The relations of the founders of Southampton with the Indians were
generally peaceful ; but there came a time when " Southampton and the
neighboring towns of Southold and Easthampton were all within the savage
scheme of universal extermination of the whites, and devoted to destruc-
tion. Lyon Gardiner, hero of Saybrook Fort, first English planter resi-
dent in the state of New York, and Wyandanch, great sachem of Montauk
and finally of the whole island, were fast friends to each other and to the
whites. It is not improbable that their aid alone saved these towns from
destruction. The blood of the sachem has long been extinct."

George R. Howell, A.M., of the New York State Library followed
Judge Hedges with an able and ornate address on " Our Puritan Ances-
tors," after which William S. Pelletreau, A.M., spoke of the " Changes in
Social and Family Life," saying, among other things : " The stranger
who visits these ancient towns cannot fail to notice, first of all, the solid
and substantial nature of the dwellings that remain as relics of the days
when the settlement was in its infancy. Houses still exist that sheltered
men who could remember the dawn of our history. One, the oldest of
all, has passed into two centuries of existence, and with care and attention
may see another. From the earliest settlement down to the present day
every man owned his land in fee simple absolute. When a man built his
house he did it not only with the assurance of enjoying its shelter while
life to him remained, but with an equal assurance of transmitting it to
his descendants. Now, when we look upon these ancient houses, with their
massive frames and solid covering, that have withstood the storms of two
centuries, it is not * because timber was plenty and they might just as well
use it as not,' but because the men who built them knew that they were
building for posterity. The highest officers of the town were the magis-
trates, the constable and the captain of the train band. To the first of
these, as justice of the peace, honor and respect have been justly given

SOUTHAMPTON IN HISTORY 65

through the long period that has elapsed down to the present day, and
the office for two centuries and a half has been filled by men who have
commanded the respect and esteem of their fellow-citizens. But it
would be curious indeed to trace the office of constable. It was a high
office when the town was independent. It was higher still when under the
dominion of the Duke of York. The ' Court of the Constable and Over-
seers ' was the highest tribunal of the town and the constable was the head
of the tribunal. He was on a level with the minister, which was saying a
great deal in those times. A curious illustration of this is found in the
record of the laying out of Hog Neck, in 1680, when it was expressly stipu-
lated that no man should sell his lot to any one who was not approved of
by the minister and constable."

Some curious statistics in relation to lawyer's fees were given, Mr.
Pelletreau saying : " When Rev. Dr. Woolsey, of Yale college, traveled
through Long Island in the early part of this century he reports that no
lawyer had ever yet been able to get a living in Suffolk county. One day,
when this century was young, there was a boat on the shore of Mecox bay
and some oysters in it. There was also disputed ownership, high words, a
quarrel, a fight, and a suit for assault and battery — all these followed in
natural and rapid succession. The defendant hastened to Abraham T.
Rose, then just fledged as a lawyer and ready to defend injured inno-
cence for a consideration. The suit came off in Southampton before
'Squire Jonathan Fithians, then a young justice of the peace. With the
eloquence that in after years made him the bright and shining light of
the Suffolk county bar, the young lawyer pleaded the cause of his client
so successfully that the jury brought in a verdict of not guilty ! The over-
joyed but unsophisticated client promptly sought his counsel and asked
his fee. He was told $2. 'Two dollars! Heaven and airth ! Why, here
I have to take my hoe and hoe corn all day long for fifty cents, and
you just come here and stand up and talk two hours and charge $2 ! It's
outrageous, and I won't pay it ! ' ' Very well, what will you pay ? ' The
client's hand went down into the depths of his trousers' pocket, forked out
an eel-skin purse, and taking fifty cents, tendered it as the * fair thing.'
The young lawyer accepted it, and both adjourned to Herrick Rogers's
bar-room, where it was quickly exchanged for ' liquid refreshments,' of
which the client had a full share, and that was the end of the first lawyer's
fee we have any account of in the village."

The brilliant address of the Rev. Samuel E. Herrick, D.D., of Boston,
on this occasion, has been given in full on another page of this magazine.

Vol. XXIV. -No. i.— 5

MINOR TOPICS
CHAUNCEY M. DEPEW ON THE INTERNATIONAL FAIR

In his great speech at Chicago, on the 5th of June, 1890, Mr. Depew said :
"We have been passing through a period of centennials, with a passion for crowd-
ing events into century packages and labeling and stowing them away for reference
at the end of the next hundred years. It is a singular coincidence that this exhi-
bition, with only a four years' interval, will be the centennial of the first interna-
tional fair. Nothing has more clearly marked the development of this extraordinary
century than the growth of these international exhibitions. Steam and electricity
have made them possible, and the inventions have enriched them beyond the
dreams of all the ages since the dawn of history.

Prince Albert opened the great World's Fair in the Crystal Palace in 1851,
with the declaration ' that the time had come to prepare for a great exhibition,
not merely national in its conception and benefits, but comprehensive of the whole
world.' To it came 6,000,000 visitors. In i86t, again, London was the scene of
another exhibition with 6,200,000 visitors. The French, in 1867, held their exhi-
bition, with still increasing numbers and interest, and the world's last effort at
Paris, in 1889, was housed in buildings costing $r 1,000,000, with 30,000,000 peo-
ple crowding their booths and avenues. The most successful of the exhibitions
since 1828 showed a handsome profit, and the most disastrous, that of Vienna in
1873, on account of the depression caused by the panic of that year, resulted in a
deficiency of $9,000,000, which was made up by the government ; but the Aus-
trians and Hungarians have ever since regarded it as the best investment ever
made by their country, because it brought their products into notice and opened
for them the markets of the world.

The Columbus quadri-centennial celebration will be the only one within
recorded time in which all the world can cordially and fraternally unite. It is
not sacrilege to say that the two events to which civilization to-day owes its ad-
vanced position are the introduction of Christianity and the discovery of America.
The dynamic forces of our Christian faith, in the destruction of the buttresses of
bigotry and oppression, and the leveling up of the masses to common rights, could
never have worked such marvelous results except for the opportunities of a new
country and an untrammeled population. When Columbus sailed from Palos
types had been discovered, but church and state held intelligence by the throat.
The compass had opened the pathway across the seas, but feudalism had its foot
upon the neck of commerce. Hopeless ignorance and helpless poverty were so
burdened by caste and customs, laws and traditions, that liberty lay bound and

MINOR TOPICS 67

gagged within impregnable prison walls. But Puritans and Catholics, Huguenots
and Lutherans, English, Dutch, German and French, Swedes, most of them fleeing
for liberty to worship God according to the dictates of their own consciences,
willing to sacrifice every material advantage and every earthly prospect for a civil
and religious liberty, and all of them seeking commercial freedom, followed the
track of Columbus to the new world. Here was neither king nor noble, neither
caste nor privilege. The distance was too great for paternal supervision, and self-
government became the absolute necessity of the colonies. With no guide but
God, and no constitution but the Bible, they worked out upon this continent,
after many hardships and trials and tribulations, the problem" of the equality of all
men before the law. They founded institutions which have withstood the test
of foreign invasion, of political passions, of party strifes, of individual ambition,
and the shock of the mightiest civil war the world has ever seen.

The influences of their successful experiment, following the lines of fraternal
blood back to the countries from which they came, have revolutionized and liberal-
ized the governments of the globe. The triumph of the principles of civil and
religious liberty upon this continent, the beneficial effects of the common school,
and the universal diffusion of education, have done more than all other agencies
in uplifting mankind to higher planes of independence and happiness. The chil-
dren, the grandchildren, and the great-grandchildren of Great Britain and France,
of Germany and Italy, of Spain and Russia, of Scandinavia, and of all the na-
tions of Europe, will say to their kindred in the fatherland : ' Welcome, thrice
welcome, to our states and homes ; come and see and learn,' and then will the
era of peace and liberty dawn upon the world.

Columbus stands deservedly at the head of that most useful band of men —
the heroic cranks in history. The persistent enthusiast whom one generation
despises as a lunatic with one idea, succeeding ones often worship as a benefactor.
The ragged navigator at the gate of the palace of Castile and Aragon outranks in
fame and beneficent endeavor all the kings and statesmen and soldiers, not only
of his own period, but also of those which have come after. New continents be-
yond the ocean, which should become the seat of great empires, and whose wrealth
would redeem the Holy Sepulchre at Jerusalem from the infidel, and evangelize
the world, were the dream of Columbus. Sustained enthusiasm has been the
motor of every movement in the progress of mankind. Genius, pluck, endurance
and faith can be resisted by neither kings nor cabinets. The triumph of Colum-
bus is a superb practical illustration of the Apostle Paul's tribute to the power of
faith. His lofty spirit and great purpose were undismayed by obstacles, defeat
was an incentive to new endeavor, and he so carried his poverty that in the most
brilliant court in Europe it seemed a decoration. While following Ferdinand and
Isabella in their campaigns against the Moors, seeking an audience and a hearing
for his grand scheme, small indeed seemed the battles, the sieges and the victories
which absorbed the attention of the hour. The armored chivalry of Spain, her

68 MINOR TOPICS

marching squadrons, her gorgeous court appeared to him the petty pageantry
which stood between the royal ear and the discovery of a world. The most
romantic picture of the period was Boabdil, last of the Moorish kings, coming
out from Granada and on bended knee surrendering to Ferdinand and Isabella
the keys to the city, while the cross rose above the crescent upon the towers of
the Alhambra. While all Europe was ringing with acclaim over this expulsion
of the Mussulman, to one proud and lofty figure standing aloof and unmoved it
seemed of trivial importance compared with the grander conquest so clearly out-
lined before his vision.

It was a happy omen of what America could do for woman that when states-
man and prelate alike had rejected the appeal of Columbus as visionary, and the
king had dismissed it with chilling courtesy, Isabella comprehended the dis-
coverer's idea, saw the opportunities of his success, appreciated the magnitude
of the results to her throne and to the world, and pledged not only her royal
favor, but her fortune and her jewels to the enterprise. The American woman
with her property rights guaranteed by American law, with her equal position and
independence, with her unequaled opportunities for higher education and for
usefulness, can say with pride to her brother, her lover, and her husband, ' You
owe America to me.'

Let this International Fair be held ; let the four hundredth anniversary of the
discovery of America by Columbus be celebrated ; let it be commemorated by
an industrial exhibition grander in extent and volume than any ever seen before ;
let the Old World know what their children have done in the New ; let the Stars
and Stripes float from every roof and turret and flagstaff ; let the bands announce
the opening and closing of the fair each day with the inspiring strains of our
national anthem, and we will separate from this grand communion impressed
more deeply than ever before with the fact that the proudest title on earth is that
of American citizen."

GENERAL ROGERS DEFENDS RHODE ISLAND

In a notable oration at the centennial anniversary of Rhode Island's adoption
of the Constitution, in Providence, on the 29th of May, General Horatio Rogers
said : " Detractors have sometimes ascribed Rhode Island's procrastination in
adopting the federal Constitution to a general low plane of patriotism pervading
her character. Her record during the memorable struggle for independence from
Great Britain proves that such an assumption is utterly without foundation. In
1783 the Continental Loan office accounts show that only four states had con-
tributed more to the public treasury than Rhode Island, diminutive as she was ; and
in proportion to population none could compare with her. But it has been urged
that the delegates from Rhode Island were very delinquent, at the last, in attending

MINOR TOPICS 69

the continental congress. This was rather the fault of the members than of the
state, for the delegates were duly elected, and, if they neglected their duties, they
but followed the example of members from other states. At one period Rhode
Island was the most radical, and at another the most conservative, of all the old
thirteen colonies or states. The colonial charter of Rhode Island, likewise, was
unsurpassed in liberality. That of Connecticut alone approached it ; in these two
colonies only, until after independence, were the governors elected by the people.
So liberal were the royal charters of these two colonies that they alone survived
the revolution, Connecticut abandoning her charter in 181 8, and Rhode Island
clinging to hers till 1842. Her people and her representatives have always exerted
a stronger direct influence on governmental affairs, and still exert it, than any
other colony or state, and nowhere was, or still is, there a greater jealousy of official
or other centralized power. Until within a very few years the people directly, or
through their representatives in general assembly, elected all their officers, and only
recently has the governor, to any considerable extent, been invested by statute
with an appointing power. Nowhere has town government been so rigidly adhered
to. Even in Connecticut state senators are now elected from districts, regardless
of town lines, and in Massachusetts county officers have charge of probate matters
and the recording of deeds. Nowhere on the face of the earth, Great Britain and
her colonies not excepted, do the old English common-law forms of procedure and
practice prevail to such an extent as in the courts of Rhode Island. The very
liberality of her cardinal principle and of her royal charter seems to have made
her fearful of losing what of liberty she had gained ; so the radicalism of her early
days has reacted upon her, producing an intense conservatism.

Rhode Island was by no means the only state where deep-rooted opposition to
the constitution existed. . . . Rhode Island never opposed union. On the
contrary, she always favored it, being among the first to propose it, and as we
have seen, she was the second of all the states to instruct her delegates in con-
gress to ratify the articles of confederation providing for a perpetual union. She
had performed her duty as well as most of the states, and in the struggle for
independence she had been second to none. Her state sovereignty had been
planted in exile and fostered by persecution ; its corner-stone rested on sole
liberty, and its preservation and integrity had been assured only by her sturdy
resistance to the aggressions of her neighbors, and she was unwilling to transmit
to posterity either that sovereignty impaired, or with the right to impair it vested
in three-fourths of her sister states. Having once entered the constitutional
union, Rhode Island has loyally adhered to it, and the blood of her sons has been
lavishly shed and the money in her treasury has been bountifully expended in pre-
serving it. Rhode Island may be conservative and peculiar, but, if a tree is to
be judged by its fruit, where can a richer harvest be found than here within her
borders ? "

NOTES

The bay psalm book not in the
British museum — Referring to a mono-
graph in the May issue of this magazine
on the Bay Psalm Book of 1640, its ex-
treme rarity is further shown by the
fact, courteously communicated by the
" Keeper of the printed books," that the
British museum does not possess a copy
of the original edition. For this, a par-
tial explanation may be found in the
" Recollections of the late Henry
Stevens," in which we are told that he
had offered to the museum a copy (the
gem of the Growninshield collection)
for 150 pounds sterling. But the timid
librarian never had the courage to lay
the offer before the trustees for accept-
ance and payment. After waiting five
or six years, this precious volume was
withdrawn by its patient owner, to be
superbly bound by Bedford, taken back
to America in 1868, and sold to Mr.
George Brinley for 150 guineas. This
wTas the copy for which, at the sale of
that gentleman's library, $1,200 was
paid in 1878 by Cornelius Vanderbilt.
It may be proper to emphasize the fact
that the British museum, first in rank
of the great libraries of the world, still
lacks the first book in the English lan-
guage both written and printed in
America.

The bread and butter ball —
Among the extracts from Washington's
diaries in Vol. IV. of the Me?noirs of the
Long I sla?id Historical Society is the fol-
lowing : " Feb. 25, 1760. Went to a
ball at Alexandria, where musick and
dancing was the chief entertainment.

However, in a convenient room, de-
tached for the purpose, abounded great
plenty of bread and butter, some bis-
cuits, with tea and coffee, which the
drinkers of could not distinguish from
hot water sweetened. 1 shall therefore
distinguish this ball by the stile and
title of the bread and butter ball."

Motley and the united nether-
lands — It was while preparing his great
popular work with the above title that
the clever historian wrote to his mother
from England : " My life is now very
much within the four walls of my study.
I am hard at work, but, alas, my work
grows and expands around me every
day. I am like the conjurer's appren-
tice in the German ballad, who raised a
whole crowd of spectres and demons by
stealing his master's wand, and then did
not know how to exorcise them and get
rid of them. The apparitions of the
sixteenth century rise upon me, phan-
tom after phantom, ,each more intrusive
and threatening and appalling than the
other, and I feel that I have got myself
into a mob of goblins, who are likely to
be too much for me. The truth is, I
have laid out too much work. If I
labored away, like a galley-slave at the
oar, eight hours a day for the next five
years, I should hardly fill up the outlines
which I have chalked out. "

Stephen whitney was the grand-
father of Stephen Whitney Phoenix. He
is incorrectly mentioned as the uncle in
the June issue, page 441.

Editor

QUERIES— REPLIES

QUERIES

William drummond, first gov-
ernor OF NORTH CAROLINA— I should

like to make some inquiries about
William Drummond, a Scotchman, who
came to Virginia prior to 1659. He
was a lawyer, and by appointment of the
lords proprietors became, in 1664, the
first governor of the colony of Albe-
marle, from which grew the state of
North Carolina. His term of office
expired in 1667, when he returned
to Virginia. He resided at James-
town, and was highly respected. He
took part in the so-called " rebellion "
of Bacon, in 1676, and met the fate of a
martyr at the hands of the ferocious
Berkeley at Williamsburg, January 20,
1677. Sarah Drummond, his wife, was
as patriotic as her husband. She had
several children, and was in Virginia in
1679, when she brought suit against
Albemarle to recover debts due her hus-
band there, and also against Lady
Francis Berkeley as a co-trespasser with
her husband in taking possession of the
estate of Drummond under the alleged
forfeiture for treason. I want to know
what was the maiden name of Mrs.
Drummond, and what became of her
and her children. Did they remain in
Virginia or return to England ? In the
volume of Papers Relating to the History
of the Church in Virginia, 165 0-1776,

edited by Rev. William Stevens Perry,
page 94, I find mention made of one
Mr. William Drummond, an able justice
of James City court, who was struck out
of the commission of the peace after he
had refused to sign a " complimenting "
address concerning Governor Nicholson.
This was about 1700. Is this the son of
the governor of Albemarle, and are any
of his descendants known to be living ?
Is anything known of the life of Gov-
ernor Drummond prior to his coming to
America ? Was he a relative of William
Drummond, the poet of Hawthornden ?
Tradition says he was his son, but this is
an error. Is there any memorial of him
at Williamsburg, and is the place of his
burial marked ? Is either his autograph
or portrait in existence ? When was
Lake Drummond so named ? by whom ?
and was it in honor of the governor ?

Any information on any of these
points will help toward illustrating the
career and preserving the memory of one
of the proto-martyrs of the American
revolution.

Stephen B. Weeks

Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore.

First religious periodical in the
west — Can the title and date be ob-
tained of the first religious periodical
published in the west ? Biblio

REPLIES

The island of seven cities [xxiii.
417] — This imaginary island is the sub-
ject of one of the legends of the ocean,
current in Spain and Portugal in the

fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The
legend relates that in the eighth century
when these countries were overrun by
the Moors, seven bishops, followed by

REPLIES

a great number of people, took ship and
fled across the ocean, seeking new homes
in the unknown west. After tossing about
for some time at the mercy of the waves,
they at last arrived at a rich and beauti-
ful island in the midst of the sea. Burning
their ships that all hope of flight might
be taken away from their followers, the
bishops founded seven cities with mag-
nificent temples and dwellings. The
island is said to have been so rich that
the very sand on the seashore was partly
composed of gold. At various times,
sailors who had seen the gleaming domes
of the cities from a distance had landed
on the island, but were never allowed to
leave it, for the islanders feared that
their retreat would be discovered by the
Moors. It is also related that, reports of
this mysterious island having reached
Portugal, a cavalier named Don Fernan-
do de Alma fitted out two vessels and
set sail for the Canaries, in order to dis-
cover the new country. When the ex-
pedition reached the latitude of these
islands the ships were separated by a
storm, and that of Don Fernando was at
length becalmed near an island on which
he could see a fine city with towers and
castle. He landed, was well received
by the inhabitants, and remained as he
thought for a single day ; but when he
returned to his native country he found
that instead of a day he had spent a
whole century on the magic island. It
is said that the legend of this island
suggested to Columbus that there might
be land in the west, and it belongs to
the same class as the legends relating to
the Isle of St. Brandon and to Plato's
Atlantis. Daniel B. Ruggles

Hanover, N. H.

Kittereen [xxiii. 506] — Kittereen
was not a vehicle, but a removable and
adjustable portion of a vehicle. The
name is probably derived from kiste, a
German word for a little chest ; kistchen
is a small kind, iron-bound, with lock,
as boxes under a carriage seat were
made, so kittereen must be an Angli-
cised Dutch or German word for the
box fitting under the hammer-cloth or
box of a carriage. It was made of a
peculiar wood, kistenholz ; and kistenful-
lung meant ordinary contents, clothes,
linen, such as a German peasant gave as
a bridal present to his daughter. I
think I thus show the proper derivation
of kittereen, kiste, coffer ; kistje, little
coffer. Kit is applied to a package cov-
ering necessaries for traveling, just as a
kittereen might be supposed to contain
equivalent requirements for stable uses
and perhaps horse-covering, etc.

Anchor

Stephen moylan [xxiii. 414-415]
— Professor Super of Ohio university
writes in relation to the name Noylan
signed to the original letters, copies of
which he contributed to the May maga-
zine, that it was impossible to determine
from the writings that the name was
Moylan. He is now convinced of the
fact, and wishes the correction made.

Moylan, not " Noylan" [xxiii. 414-
415] — Stephen Moylan (not Noylan) was
in the commissariat department of the
Continental army before Boston in 1775;
he was evidently the writer of the letters
given on pp. 414 and 415 of your May
number. Brigadier-General Moylan
served with credit in the revolution.
A Philadelphian

SOCIETIES

New YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY — The
last meeting of the season was held on
June 3d, the Hon. John A. King presid-
ing ; Prince Bismarck of Germany and
Jules Simon of the French academy
were elected honorary members. Mr.
Joseph W. Lawrence of St. John, N. B.,
was elected a corresponding member.

Mr. L. B. Proctor of Albany, the well-
known student of political history, read
a valuable and interesting paper entitled
"Comparative View of Daniel D. Tomp-
kins and De Witt Clinton in the Political
Arena." The society adjourned to meet
the first Tuesday in October next.

The Cincinnati — The triennial meet-
ing of the General Society of the
Order of the Cincinnati was held in the
hall of the Maryland Historical Society
in Baltimore, on Wednesday, May 7,
1890.

In the absence, by reason of a recent
accidental injury, of the venerable and
honorable Hamilton Fish, president-
general, Ex-Governor Robert M. Mc-
Lane the vice-president-general, pre-
sided. Prayer having been offered by the
Right Reverend William Stevens Perry,
D.D. (Oxon), L.L.D., D.C.L., Bishop of
Iowa, one of the chaplains-general, the
Maryland State Society of Cincinnati was
announced, and the members filed in, and
an address of welcome was made by the
vice-president of that society, Mr. Otho
Holland Williams, and responded to by
the vice-president-general.

The Maryland Cincinnati, in their de-
sire to be hospitable, laid out a pro-
gramme— which included luncheon each

day in the picture gallery of the Mary-
land Historical Society, and a banquet
on the first evening of the assemblage
at the Hotel Rennert.

On the second day a special train
took the members to Washington, where
they were joined by the secretaries of
war and navy and chief clerk of state
department, in unavoidable absence of
the secretary of state. After being
shown the new torpedo-boat Cushing,
the party embarked on the United States
steamer Despatch, upon which luncheon
was served, and proceeded to Mount
Vernon. Here the services were im-
pressive, including prayers at Washing-
ton's tomb by Bishop Perry and a brief
address by the vice-president-general,
followed by a formal meeting and the
transaction of business in the banquet-
ing hall of the Washington Mansion.
The party returned to Washington on the
Despatch, where a special train awaited
them for Baltimore. In the evening the
privileges of the several clubs were ex-
tended to the delegates. Friday, May 9,
terminated the business of the triennial
meeting, and in the evening the Univer-
sity Club gave a reception to which the
members were invited.

Much business of a necessary char-
acter was transacted at this triennial.
The applications of gentlemen in Con-
necticut and Virginia for permission to
revive those state societies, long since
extinct, were taken into consideration
and a special committee appointed to in-
vestigate and report at the next meeting.
Among other matters a recommendation
was made to the commission having in

SOCIETIES

charge the erection of the Lafayette
monument in Washington, as to the
names of French officers who held
United States commissions in the revo-
lution to be placed on the cartouche.
Also that the unsightly statue of
Andrew Jackson in Lafayette square
be removed to some other locality, and
Lafayette's statue substituted in its stead
in the square named in his honor.

The next triennial was appointed to
be held in Boston, Massachusetts, on the
third Wednesday in May, 1893. From
the reports received, it appears that the
order was never in a more prosperous
condition, and that applications almost
without number are made for admissions
which cannot be favorably considered
because of the specific limitations fixed
by the officers of the revolution in their
beloved "institution " of 1783.

The general officers were re-elected
unanimously : president-general, Hon.
Hamilton Fish, L.L.D.; vice-president-
general, Hon. Robert Milligan McLane ;
secretary-general, Hon. Asa Bird Gard-
iner, L.L.D. ; treasurer-general, Mr.
John Schuyler, C.E. ; assistant treas-
urer-general, Mr. Herman Burgin, M.D.
Mr. Thomas Pinckney Lowndes, of South
Carolina, grandson of Lieutenant-Colonel
(afterward Brigadier-General) William
Washington, Third Regiment Conti-
nental Light Dragoons, was chosen as-
sistant secretary-general vice Major
Richard I. Manning, deceased.

followed by most interesting reminis-
cences, given by the company generally,
of the old Red-Bird packet days, the
captains, and the many episodes of travel
on " the raging canal."

Rochester historical society —
At the regular monthly meeting held
May 9, at the house of Gilman H. Per-
kins, Mr. George T. Moss read a paper
upon "Early Transportation." This was

Rhode island historical society
— The commissioner of public works,
John A. Coleman, occupied the platform
of the Rhode Island Historical Society
on the evening of April 15, and ad-
dressed the members and their friends
upon " A Branch of Mechanical Indus-
try in this State." He said : "If I un-
derstand the history of Rhode Island
correctly, it was originally a commercial
state, and Newport was the rival of New
York. But in due course of time the
wealth that came in this way sought
other channels, and Rhode Island took
to manufacturing. The cotton industry
was established with water power, which
was followed in its natural order by
steam." Speaking of the growth of the
steam-engine and the improvements
made by Corliss, he said, " Corliss has
affected the mechanical world more than
any other man since the time of James
Watt." The lecturer referred also to
the tribute received from Scott Russell,
the great engine builder, and to the first
medal awarded by the emperor of Aus-
tria at the Vienna Exhibition, although
Corliss was not represented. In conclu-
sion he .took up the question of the re-
duction of the tariff on iron and argued
that the iron industries of this state were
not failing. Several of the members,
finding it a theme upon which they could
revel in reminiscences, prolonged the
meeting.

HISTORIC AND SOCIAL JOTTINGS

Successful authorship is attracting more and more attention as writers multiply,
r and some of the best thinkers of the age are discussing its causes and its obstructions.
The mere desire often leads an ambitious scholar to the impression that it is quite easy to
become an author, and a few pages are dashed off and sent to some editor under the
delusion that it will bring by return mail a check of fabulous magnitude. Fitness for
authorship is not once taken into consideration, and when the manuscript instead of a
check comes back the disappointment is intense. Mr. T. W. Higginson has recently-
shown in an able essay that the literary profession is no exceptional or extraordinary
vocation, but stands on the same basis as any other business, that of earnest, faithful and
honest hard work, guided by intelligent common sense. A talent for writing well doe.'
not of itself insure fame or money ; themes must be chosen with care and exact knowl-
edge of what has already been placed before the public, and then must be so critically
studied as to be treated in a way that will meet the want of the world.

One of the chief obstructions to the success of a young author is the counting of words
with an eye to the price thereof. In the language of Maurice Thompson : " Safely may
it be said no man ever succeeded in any learned profession, if he practiced it chiefly for
the acquisition of money. The aim must be to excel on merit, to win through mastery,
to compel by force of supreme wisdom in the field of legitimate effort, to overlook others
by acquiring absolute vision. Money is the secondary aim ; it is merely the reward
claimed after the feat is accomplished ; the feat itself is the true goal of ambition. This,
it seems to me, is not so well understood to-day as it was fifty or a hundred years ago
among aspirants to literary distinction. The reward has obscured the achievement for
which it was offered. The flourishing author is usually the author who is in love with his
art ; but is not this true with the lawyer, the tailor, and the horse-trader as well ? No
half-hearted devotion to business, no matter in what line, will achieve what will come to
the enthusiastic, never-resting, self-absorbed worker who loves his vocation better than
his life. Self-consecration is the proof of what one's nature finds most desirable, and this,
too, is the best guaranty of success."

The words of Mrs. Clarence E. Beebe, president of the Young Women's Christian
Association of New York, in presenting diplomas to the graduates in stenography and
other classes at the recent commencement exercises, are applicable to all workers in every
sphere of industry, literature, of course, included : " Your work must never be made
secondary to your means of maintenance. First your excellent work, first your honest
service, first your employer's interests, last of all the gain. You as working women must
sacredly uphold the standard of careful work ; you must shrink from inaccuracy and care-
lessness as you would from a charge of theft. What is your capital in this undertaking ?
Is it credit given you by those who sympathize with your anxieties, is it your promissory
notes, when your capabilities shall be ranked at your own valuation ;'does your mind
hold only these idle bonds, or have you, as I hope and trust, the valuable securities of self-.

y6 HISTORIC AND SOCIAL JOTTINGS

control and self-denial, industry and ambition, patience and promptness, perseverance and
attention ? Choose your niche, select it as carefully as for a life's companion, and then
take it for better or worse. Fill it until you have outgrown it, remembering- that faithful-
ness in that which is least always marks the soul capable of higher honors. Idealize the
places you fill until they hold for you the satisfaction of content. Put your love into your
work. 'Tis that which makes it liberty. Love the needles until they are glorified by your
spirit. You begin by learning rules and you forget their dogmatism by observing
them."

Another obstruction to successful authorship is the mistaken notion that four or five
hours a day gives sufficient time for application to any literary aspirant for honors and
emoluments — with vacations of days and weeks supplied liberally. Says one of our emi-
nent essayists : " Why should a literary laborer expect that he is going to play half the
year and yet prosper in his vocation ? Does the successful lawyer follow that plan ? Go
to the merchant, the civil engineer, the physician, and the real-estate agent, and see if
they make a competent income without constant labor, and wise, thoughtful attention to
the details of business. If a man has force, let him learn to control it with the wisdom of
common sense. If his force flows in a literary direction, let him inquire of its volume
and compass, so that he may not set it to turning a machine too heavy or too complicated
for its capacity, and most of all let him not expect that he can sell literary bran for the
same price that is paid for extra fine, roller-process, prize-wheat flour from the golden
mills of genius.''

Among the well-known men of letters of the past quarter of a century the late Oliver
Bell Bunce will go into history as having given more words of sterling advice and criti-
cism and more substantial aid and inspiration to young literary aspirants than any other
scholar of his time. He always spoke from the standpoint of experience, combined with
observation and astute judgment. Born in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1828, he lost his
father when about eleven years of age, and his chief inheritance was a taste for literary
pursuits which developed under the influence and guardianship of his mother, a lady of
culture and great strength and symmetry of character. There was a vein of literary apti-
tude and creative genius running through the ancestral blood, and a marked tendency
toward the book-making art in every generation of the Bunce family, past and present.
Mr. Bunce early became an industrious student, and although he never went through a
college course he did not lack opportunities for mental discipline and intellectual growth.
While still very young he was the author of several books, written with great directness,
force, and elegance. At the age of twenty-five he formed the book publishing firm of
Bunce & Brother, and became editor as well as publisher of Mrs. Ann S. Stephens1
Monthly. A few years later he was associated for a time with James G. Gregory, of the
publishing firm of Gregory & Co., and was the first to produce fine illustrated books in
the United States ; In the Woods, Forest Hymns, and Christmas Carols were among
the pioneers in this class.

Mr. Bunce will be remembered best, however, through his twenty-three years' connec-
tion with the firm of D. Appleton & Co. He was the editor of Appletori s Journal and of
the Art Journal ; while Picturesque America, one of the colossal successes of 'the age, was

HISTORIC AND SOCIAL JOTTINGS ^

projected through his suggestions, and he was intrusted with the sole control of the liter-
ary and art execution of the work. He gave personal attention to the production of the
illustrations, never esteeming it economy to accept a drawing from however noted an
artist which did not attain to his standard of merit, often paying large sums for sketches
(because they had been ordered and the workman's time consumed) that were consigned
the next instant to the waste-basket, while another's skill was put to the test in the same
direction. His policy was to secure the best results withoht regard to cost. He over-
looked the final printing with a scrutiny that was the terror of the careless employee.
No haze hung over the sharp outline of his exact idea. He was running in advance of
the experience of the world, and striving for a degree of excellence which he believed it
was possible to reach. Nor was he mistaken. But when it was accomplished he said
nothing about it, as if it were the commonest thing in the world. He was a dramatist of
ability, the author of several successful plays in which prominent actors were concerned,
and his little volume Don't, a manual of rules of conduct, has passed through innumer-
able editions.

Mr. Bunce was one of the most modest and unpretentious of men, and his splendid
and single-minded devotion to duty elicited universal admiration and made his career a
model. His sentiment of personal honor was almost a fanaticism, so strictly did it
actuate every thought and motive of his life. He was of slight figure, neither tall nor
short, with a keen, dark eye, and beard and mustache slightly flecked with gray. In con-
versation he was animated and emphatic, with a keen sense of humor, seeing into the remote
causes of things, and wielding such ideas, arguments, and principles as are comparatively
easy to arrange and apply. His attractive home was the favorite resort of scholars, edi-
tors, authors, poets, novelists, and artists, and all who were worthy found in him one of
the truest of friends. His loveliness of character endeared him to his devoted wife and
children, and a large circle of sincerely attached friends mourn his death with a sharp sense
of personal bereavement. He was one of the founders of the Authors' club, and a mem-
ber of the St. Nicholas society.

BOOK NOTICES

EARLY CHICAGO AND ILLINOIS. [Chi-
cago Historical Society's Collection, Vol. IV.]
Edited and annotated by Edward G. Mason,
President of the Chicago Historical Society.
8vo, pp. 521. Fergus Printing Company,
1890, Chicago.

The best part of the work before us is its bio-
graphical sketches. Some very eminent men
have been connected from time to time with this
society, men of great independence of character,
thought, and action. The portrait of Gurdon S.
Hubbard greets us as the frontispiece to the vol-
ume, and his memoir forms the opening chapter.
He erected the first building in Chicago in 1834,
and was identified closely with the actual begin-
nings, growth, and development of that city and
of the whole northwest. The sketch is written
by Hon. Grant Goodrich. In the next portrait
the reader meets the genial and accomplished
Isaac N. Arnold, a frequent contributor to this
magazine during his lifetime, and long presi-
dent of the Chicago Historical society. He was
a successful lawyer, standing in the very front
rank of his profession, a wise legislator in both
state and national affairs, a clever writer, and a
speaker of wide popularity. His biographer
and successor as president of the society was the
Hon. E. B. Washburne, who soon followed him,
and eloquent tributes were paid to the memory
of the latter by General George W. Smith and
William H. Bradley. Washburne was a man of
national reputation, and as minister to France
the story of his conduct prior to and during the
siege of Paris has been so often told that it is
like a household word. He was the biographer
also of Judge Mark Skinner, one of Chicago's
most learned and useful men, of whom he says :
' ' So far as I can discover, with every philanthro-
pic agency in the history of this city, broad, true,
permanent in character, we find Judge Skinner
associated officially, or through personal influ-
ence, or by financial aid." Another Chicago
philanthropist was Philo Carpenter, whose gifts
were continual for worthy enterprises, and often
in very large sums. He was one of the founders
and first elders of the First Presbyterian church
in that city. The chapter illustrating his notable
career is contributed to the volume by Rev.
Henry L. Hammond. The sketches of Samuel
Stone, by Mrs. William Barry, and of Pierre
Menard, the first lieutenant-governor of Illinois,
by Hon. H. S. Baker of Alton, Illinois, are
most interesting; and the "Pierre Menard
Papers" which follow contain important history.
The memoir of the pioneer trader Noel le Vas-
seur is by Hon. Stephen R. Moore of Kan-
kakee, Illinois. Other valuable features of this

work are "Lists of Early Illinois Citizens,"
which occupy considerable space; "John
Todd's Record Book," and the "John Todd
Papers ; " sketch of " Chevalier de Rocheblave "
and the " Rocheblave Papers ;" and the " Court
of Enquiry at Fort Chartres," by John Moses,
the secretary of the society.

The "John Todd Papers" include some very
interesting letters from George Rogers Clark,
Thomas Jefferson, Oliver Pollock, and others re-
lating to affairs of grave importance. There are
numerous excellent portraits in the volume, and
it is favored with a good index.

NEW YORK AND VICINITY DURING
THE WAR OF 1812-15. Being a military,
civic, and financial local history of that period
with incidents and anecdotes thereof. By R.
S. Guernsey. Vol. I., 8vo, pp. 449. New
York, 1889. Charles L. Woodward.
The part taken by New York City in the war
of 1812 is admirably set forth in this volume,
which will prove a most useful work of refer-
ence in all the future. The metropolis not being
the actual site of battles has stood like an un-
known quantity with many of the writers who
have essayed to touch upon the varied features
of this second war with the mother country.
Never was an offensive war undertaken volun-
tarily in the face of such untoward circum-
stances. The youngest nation in the world
with self-reliant audacity had buckled on her
armor to compel one of the oldest, haughtiest,
and most powerful of nations to respect her
maritime rights. New York was exposed on
every side. Men of all avocations and trades
volunteered to labor on the works of defense
about the city ; and through individual enter-
prise alone New York fitted out and sent to sea
from her port, within four months after the dec-
laration of war, twenty-six privateers, carrying
two hundred and twelve guns and two thousand
two hundred and thirty-nine men. The author
of this volume draws upon the documentary rec-
ords of the period, publishing many of them at
length, quoting also from newspapers and current
literature while the war was in progress. He has
been favored with personal information from the
veterans themselves and from their sons and
daughters, and is therefore enabled to bring
many details from obscurity in order to produce a
faithful chronicle of the local events of the time.
He describes the city in peace, which "then
contained about ninety-eight thousand persons,
of whom about fifteen hundred were slaves.

BOOK NOTICES

The number of aliens was about three thousand ;
many of them were English, Scotch, French
and Irish. The city then contained only about
sixteen thousand five hundred houses all told."
He tells of the fortifications, of the militia
forces, of the war vessels in the harbor, of the
troops forwarded to the frontiers, of the blockade,
of the honors bestowed upon naval heroes, of
the financial situation, etc., etc. He says, of
the eastern end of Long Island that the entire
country was subject to marauding parties from the
British war vessels stationed in Gardiner's Bay;
but that no person was killed on Long Island
during the war, and only one prisoner taken.
The commands of the British officers were to re-
spect private property, and to pay for whatever
provisions were confiscated from residents. Sag
Harbor was the metropolis of Suffolk county, a
port of entry, and a place of considerable trade.
It was not occupied by the British forces, and
but once attacked. A force of New York state
militia was stationed there during the entire war.

THE RUINS; OR, MEDITATIONS ON
THE REVOLUTIONS OF EMPIRES,
AND THE LAW OF NATURE. By
C. F. Volney. Comte et pair de France.
8vo, pp. 248. New York, Peter Eckler.
Constantine Chassebeuf de Volney was born
in 1757 and died in 1820. His works are among
what may be termed the classics of French in-
fidelism, and among them none has exerted a
wider influence than The Ruins, of which this
present volume is a new translation. The book
is to be ranked with the works of Thomas Paine
and Robert G. Ingersoll, subversive of much
that is regarded as orthodox in the matter of
Christian beliefs, and therefore more or less dan-
gerous according to the intellectual character of
the reader. Count Volney was beyond question
a very learned man, and it will not do in this
age of creed revision to cast aside his presenta-
tion of historical and ethnological facts as so
much rubbish. Few of us would wish to see Chris-
tianity dethroned, but some truth is far more
important than dogmatism, and there are many
passages in the writings of a remote antiquity
that suggest an origin for Christian creeds far
antedating the Christian era. There is a certain
timidity in dealing with these that must be
thrown aside by the religious leaders of the pres-
ent day if they would retain their hold upon an
intelligent and thoughtful public. To tell people
that such books as Volney's Ruins must not be
read is simply to stimulate curiosity. To answer
them frankly, admitting their truth and exposing
their errors, is more in accord with the spirit of
the age.

JACQUES CARTIER. His Life and Voy-
ages. By Joseph Pope. i2mo, pp. 168.
Privately printed. Ottawa, Ontario.
The excellent essay which forms this volume
won the prize recently offered by the lieuten-
ant-governor of Quebec for the best presenta-
tion of the facts connected with the earliest
dawn of Canadian history, together with a
truthful picture of the central figure in the
scene. Jacques Cartier was born in St. Malo
in 1491, and was married to Marie Katharine
des Granches in 15 19. What is known of the
early life of the navigator is told very clearly,
but there is not much of it. The author says :
" We have no information as to when or under
what circumstances Cartier came under the
notice of the high admiral of France, nor
when it was that Chabot presented him to the
king as a fit person to be intrusted with the
charge of exploring the wonders of the New
World. Neither has his commission for the
first voyage ever been found." When all was
in readiness for his voyage Jacques Cartier
spread his sails on the 20th of April, 1534, and
steered toward Newfoundland. His varied ad-
ventures and experiences and subsequent voy-
ages are very tersely described in this little vol-
ume. The author deplores the lack of historic
interest in Canada, and says: "Thanks to the
untiring efforts of certain literary gentlemen
amongst us, things are better in this respect
than they were a few years ago ; but in spite of
all that Mr. Le Moine and others have done to
popularize the account of the early settlement
of Canada, not to speak of Mr. Francis Park-
man, who has a singular aptitude for investing
the recital of historical facts with a romantic
charm, we venture to doubt whether one person
in one hundred, selected at random in any part
of Canada, could tell off-hand the name of the
English admiral who contended with Cham-
plain for the possession of Quebec ; who founded
Montreal ; what is meant by the conspiracy of
Pontiac ; or by whom was the Gospel first
preached on the shores of Lake Huron."

LOYALISTS' CENTENNIAL SOUVENIR.

i2mo, pp. 183. New Brunswick Historical

Society.

To the memory of the Loyalists who founded
the city of St. John and the province of
New Brunswick this choice little volume is
reverentially dedicated. It opens with this
significant paragraph : "On the eighteenth day
of May, 1783, twenty vessels from New York,
with three thousand souls — men, women, and
children — arrived in the harbor of St. John, and
although they found some people here then, this
was in reality the foundation of the city." The

BOOK NOTICES

New Brunswick Historical Society was organ-
ized in 1874, its first president being J. W. Law-
rence, a scholarly gentleman, who for many years
has been industriously collecting historical data
and pamphlets bearing on the early history and
settlement of the province. The account of the
centennial celebration and the reports of the
speeches on the occasion which forms this
work embody much of the valuable history of
the province and its people. Lieutenant-gov-
ernor Wilmot in his address at the celebration
spoke of his grandmother, who had five sons
when she reached St. John's in 1783. They
sailed up the river St. John and went ashore in
the night of the 10th of November, in a snow
storm, and camped under canvas. Of these five
sons, four filled very prominent positions in the
province. Many pages are given to the inscrip-
tions in the old burial-ground — a feature of the
volume that will be greatly prized.

WEST POINT. A play. By Leon Del
Monte. i6mo, pp. 166. Robert Clarke &
Co. Cincinnati, 1890.

The incidents upon which this historical play
is founded are well known, and if introduced to
the public on the stage its success must largely
depend upon the cultivated intelligence of the
chief actors. Its aim is to represent Benedict
Arnold in his true colors at the time he attempted
to betray and sell his country to the enemy. The
scene in Smith's house near Stony Point, Act
II., is dramatic in the extreme. The play is
cleverly written, and the author gives unmistak-
able evidence of a very close study of the excit-
ing events of the memorable summer of 1780,
which he has endeavored to portray. No period
of American history possesses elements better
suited to the drama, and with the characters
thoroughly understood by those who represent
them it will command a warm welcome.

A MEMORIAL OF THE AMERICAN PA-
TRIOTS WHO FELL AT THE BAT-
TLE OF BUNKER HILL, JUNE 17,
1775. With an account of the dedication of
the Memorial Tablets on Winthrop Square,
Charlestown, June 17, 1889, and an Appendix
containing illustrative papers. 8vo, pp. 274.
Boston, 1889. Printed by order of the City
Council.
This handsome volume opens with a ' ' View

of Memorial Tablets from Winthrop Square,

looking North,*' and contains nineteen other
illustrations of great value. Trumbull's view of
Charlestown in 1 775 is one of the most interest-
ing and suggestive of these. The quaint pic-
ture of the town of Boston from Breed's Hill
in Charlestown, and the views of the country
around Boston, taken from Beacon Hill in 1775,
are sermons in themselves. The exercises at
the dedication of the Bunker Hill tablets are
chronicled, and the oration by Hon. John R.
Murphy, remarks by Mayor Thomas N. Hart,
the ode by Thomas W. Parsons, and the anni-
versary sermon by Rev. Edward M. Taylor, are
printed in full. The latter said : " Few traits of
human nature are more beautiful than that sen-
timent of gratitude and thanksgiving that ac-
companies the intellectual appreciation of great
historic events, where the men of the past have
measured up to duty, and left, as the results of
their courage and sacrifice, choice blessings for
posterity ; turning-points in history are always
places for profound meditations/' In referring
to the great political risks taken by the men of
the revolution, the learned divine said: " While
we never weary of the encomiums pronounced
over the heroes of the revolution, who made up
the rank and file of that army, the leadership
of educated and well-developed men in those
days affords a very profitable field of study.
The successful weaving of the principles of
liberty into the fabric of this great republic
was accomplished by educated statesmanship
as well as indomitable soldier courage." The
appendices to the volume are like the minister's
postscripts, longer than the work itself, con-
taining sketches of the battle, the history of the
Bunker Hill monument, Webster's orations at
the laying of the corner stone in 1825, and at
the completion of the monument in 1843, and
the beautiful poem, " Grandmother's Story of
Bunker Hill Battle, as She Saw it from the
Belfry."

HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF THE
MICHIGAN PIONEER AND HISTORI-
CAL SOCIETY. Vol. XIV., 8vo, pp. 720.
Lansing, Michigan, 1890.
We have taken the opportunity from time to
time to commend the excellent publications of
this enterprising society, but in the fourteenth
volume now before us we find one of the best
of the series, which is saying a great deal. The
skill and good judgment with which the material
is gathered and preserved are exceedingly credit-
able, and the result for good cannot be over-
estimated.

MAJOR-GENERAL EBENEZER STEVENS. 1751-1823.

MAGAZINE OF AMERICAN HISTORY

Vol. XXIV AUGUST, 1890 Xo. 2

HISTORIC HOUSES AND REVOLUTIONARY LETTERS

RECENTLY I was very much interested in looking over some
ancient documents belonging to one of the older families of the
better class in Orange county, New York, and manuscript letters refer-
ring in detail to the stormy scenes of one of the most eventful periods
in American history ; and thinking it well to preserve them in some form
for the public good, I readily obtained permission to use at my discretion
such of the papers as I might choose. That the lit ler -arum per sonce may be
the better understood, it may be stated that in 1688 a certain John Ellison
of New Castle-on-Tyne* came to New York, where later on he purchased
property then described as * without the north gate " of the city, lying
about Thames street and Little Queen's street and extending thence to
Hudson river (a tract in reality adjacent to the present Trinity church-
yard), some part of which, I believe, this family still holds.

It appears from the manuscripts that in the year 1718 John Ellison
acquired for a debt a large interest in Chamber's patent at New Windsor,
Orange county, New York, then within the " precincts of the Highlands,"
and in 1723 this title ripened into possession. Meanwhile his son Thomas
Ellison had come to reside on the tract, presumably as mortgagee in
possession. Thomas Ellison was born in New York city in 1701, and mar-
ried there in 1723 Miss Margaret Garrabrant. In this same year, 1723,
Thomas Ellison built a homestead on the bluffs bordering the Hudson
river at New Windsor, which, being a commodious stone dwelling, was
destined later on to be selected as one of Washington's headquarters.'1'

*This John Ellison, born February II, 1649. was the son of Christopher Ellison of New
Castle-on-Tyne, born January 26, 1612, died 1695, who was the son of Cuthbert Ellison, a grand-
son of Cuthbert Ellison, sheriff of New Castle-on-Tyne in 1544, and mayor in 1549-1554.

+ The same is shown by the following dispatch :

" Head Quarters Smith's Clove, 2ist. June, 1779.

\ past 5 P. M.

His Excellency the Commander in Chief thinks proper to accept your house as Head Quarters
from the description I gave him on my return from thence last night. He with his guide sets off
immediately and the baggage will follow. Your most Ob't. Humble Servt. , C. GlBB.

To Col. Ellison."

Vol. XXIV.— No. 2.-6

82 HISTORIC HOUSES AND REVOLUTIONARY LETTERS

He also built on his tract docks and warehouses, and established a line
of boats between New Windsor and New York which were extensively-
utilized by the neighboring inhabitants and those living back from the
river, and on this estate this gentleman lived his life, constantly adding
to his large landed interests and to his patrimony.

In 1754 Mr. Ellison built farther away from the river another very
attractive house, still standing, and known from its Revolutionary occupant
as " General Knox's headquarters." During the Revolution the subaltern
tenants wrote the names of the belles of the county — Maria Colden, Getty
Wynkoop, and Sallie Jansen — on the window panes of the house, and
until lately (perhaps still) these names remain a fragile reminder of youth-
ful lives, yet one outlasting possibly even the epitaphs of the same ladies
engraven on stone.

In the year of his marriage, 1723, Thomas Ellison was made deputy
ranger for the county of Ulster, as appears from the following patent
deposited at Washington's headquarters in Newburgh :

" By virtue of his Majesty's Letters Patent under the broad seal of the
province of New York constituting me ranger of the county of Ulster,
I do hereby nominate and appoint Mr. Thomas Ellison to be one of my
deputies, empowering him to execute the office of deputy ranger of the
said county and to do and perform everything belonging to the said
office, and demand, take, and receive all fees and perquisites which shall
at any time arise or become due to him by virtue of said office. To have,
and to hold the office of said deputy ranger during my pleasure. Given
under my hand and seal this 14th day of November, 1723.

Cadwallader Colden."

As a considerable personage in the neighborhood, Thomas Ellison was
later on for many years colonel of the second regiment of Ulster county,
and in that capacity served in protecting the borders of the county against
the Indians, and he also served with his regiment in the French and
Indian war. In 1757 he was ordered to Albany with his regiment for the
relief of Fort William Henry, but was unable to reach there, through
adverse circumstances over which he had no control, until after the sur-
render of the fort. In response to some criticisms Colonel Ellison wrote
the following interesting letter:
Mr Ga1N: -New Windsor, Nov. isL, 1757.*

In the Appendix whicli you have annexed to Hutchin's Almanac for
the ensuing year (notwithstanding your avowing to avoid most carefully

* The original letter is now at Washington's headquarters, Newburgh.

HISTORIC HOUSES AND REVOLUTIONARY LETTERS

homestead of colonel thomas ellison, on the hudson, built in 1723.
Washington's headquarters in 1779.

any reflections that might give offence) there are some things that ought
not to pass unnoticed. The more material I shall leave to abler hands and
whom they more materially concern (if such think them worthy regard)
and will only make some remarks on the general odium and reflection you
cast upon a great part of the militia of the province and in particular on
the officers. If the officers of New York and West Chester displayed a
noble spirit at the place of parade by encouraging their men to march
cheerfully to the assistance of Fort Wm. Henry, I am not for depriving
them of the honor of it, but this I do know that none of them were seen
there and thereby alone perhaps they have escaped the censure of dis-
gracing their county. If any deserved that character let it be ascribed
to those to whom it is justly due.

I shall therefore relate the circumstance of the county of Ulster and
the north part of Orange and the conduct of the militia of these parts at
that time and leave the public judge how far either officers or men were
culpable. It is but too well known by the late numerous murders barbar-
ously committed on our borders, that the county of Ulster and the north
end of Orange is become the only frontier part of the province left un-
guarded and exposed to the cruel incursions of the Indian enemy. And
the inhabitants of these parts have been obliged to perform very hard mili-

84 HISTORIC HOUSES AND REVOLUTIONARY LETTERS

tary duty for these two years past, in ranging the woods and guarding the
frontiers ; these two counties keeping out almost constantly from fifty to
one hundred men ; sometimes by forced detachments both of the militia,
and at other times, men in pay by voluntary subscriptions. Nay often
two hundred men which has been an insupportable burden on the poor
people, and ha's driven all the young men out of the county. And yet all
the militia of these parts were ordered to march to Fort Edward, while
the officers had no orders to leave a detachment to guard the frontiers.
So orders were given to the whole to march, but one might as well have
torn a man asunder as to compel those who lived in the very outside
houses to leave their wives and children to become a sacrifice to worse
than wolves. However, the generality of them marched and that so soon
as it was possible to get so scattered a people together. And I would say
for the three hundred who went out of the little distressed second regiment
of Ulster, that men never marched with more cheerfulness and resolution,
and had not the wind proved unfavorable toward the end of their passage
to Albany they would have been at Fort Edward a day before Fort
Wm. Henry surrendered. When the wind failed us every man labored
at the oars, and when we arrived at Albany made no stay to enquire
particularly whether we could get kettles and such necessaries at Fort
Edward ; we were told in general that every thing was provided for us.
Neither did we wait to have a wagon provided for us to carry our bag-
gage, or to lay in our stores of wine, tea, equipage, etc., but every one
both officers and men packed their bundles on their backs, and the colonel
though an old man and afflicted with rheumatism marched on foot with
his musket on his shoulder at the head of his men and Svaded through
rivers crotch deep, and in two very hot days marched from Albany to Fort
Edward in less time I believe than troops ever marched it before. Some
of the men, indeed, dropped by the way not being able to hold out, and
in general all complained that their officers marched too hard for them.
Now I would ask where was the want of proper example ?

When we got to the camp opposite to Fort Edward we had the melan-
choly news of the surrender of Fort Wm. Henry which could not but
affect the spirits of every one. However for the first two days that we
lay there no uneasiness in the minds of the men was discovered, but an
impatience to go forward and retake the fort at all events ; and that this was
not affectation plainly appeared when Sir Wm. Johnson informed them
that an advanced party of the enemy lay between the two forts, and de-
sired such as had courage to fight to go voluntarily with him to rout them.
Upon which the WHOLE CAMP in less than an hour got under arms and

HISTORIC HOUSES AND REVOLUTIONARY LETTERS 85

COLONEL THOMAS ELLISON — THE WRITER OF THE LETTER.

waded up to their middles in water through Hudson's river to Fort Ed-
ward with all the life and courage imaginable. Scarce could any be per-
suaded to stay in the camp to take care of what was left there, no one
examining into the probability of success, but placing a confidence in the

86 HISTORIC HOUSES AND REVOLUTIONARY LETTERS

judgment of the commanders, left that to them. The last of the militia
had not got well through the river before the attempt was thought too
hazardous, whereupon we were ordered back to our camp. This sudden
change created great uneasiness in the minds of the men who now soon
began to complain of the intolerable hardships they suffered lying in camp,
and the danger they were in of catching the small-pox, etc. One general
complaint was want of kettles to boil their victuals in, so that they could
use none of their allowances but hard bread and salt pork and that they
must eat raw three times a day, or roast it on the coals. I don't doubt
but the officers of every regiment had enough to do to quiet the minds
of their people and can safely say for those of the second regiment of
Ulster (and which hundreds can witness) that they left no arguments
unmade use of to persuade their men to stay from day to day, and at last
made them ashamed to complain of their hard living which their officers
underwent the same in every manner that they did, and told them they
could live so for a fortnight if the good of their country required it. But
what had the greatest weight on the minds of our people and the most
difficult to be removed was the apprehension that the French might take
the opportunity to send Indians upon the frontier settlements in order to
throw the country into confusion and thereby prevent the militia from
marching to the assistance of the fort, or at least when they were there
to destroy their wives and children at home. So that after laying five
days in camp and hearing that the French were destroying and abandon-
ing Fort Wm. Henry, it was impossible to prevail with the men to stay
any longer by which it seems they have incurred the censure of disgra-
cing the country, while those who have never been within one hundred
miles of the fort have done honor to it. Strange partiality ! indeed Mr.
Gain to make so much ado about the populous city and county of New
York on so extraordinary an occasion turning out only five hundred men,
a good part of whom it seems they were obliged to the privateers for*
For when some had been told of the shameful behaviour of many of
them in the country through which they passed, as far as they did go,
the answer was, they were privateer's men and what could you expect
of them.

From the principles you published (in this very appendix to your
almanac) of the advantage of the liberty of the press, I cannot doubt of
your giving this a place in your Mercury and which will be insisted upon
by many. The vile reflection you have cast on all the officers of the
militia except those of New York, West Chester and Albany have made
it necessary to relate facts which have drawn out this paper to rather

HISTORIC HOUSES AND REVOLUTIONARY LETTERS

too great length. The militia of Albany stayed but one day at Fort
Edward after those of Orange and Ulster left it, and it ought to be con-
sidered that while they were there they were standing sentry as it were
at their own doors, while at the same time the poor people of these parts
did not know but the Indians might be cutting the throats of their wives
and children. It is to be hoped that if ever there should be the like
occasion, the militia may be drafted from parts not too much exposed.
The advantage the city of New York has in that way is that they may
collect their men and have vessels to transport them in two hours time,

STONE HOUSE BUILT BY COLONEL THOMAS ELLISON IN I754, KNOWN AS "GENERAL KNOX'S HEADQUARTERS.

making it possible to them to give much readier assistance than those of
a scattered settlement though nearer at hand.

Thomas Ellison."

Colonel Ellison had eleven children, five of whom married. The
eldest, Elizabeth, born in 1726, married Cadwallader Colden, Jr., a mem-
ber of the distinguished provincial family of Coldens, and son of the
lieutenant-governor. Mr. Eager in his history of Orange county pub-
lishes an amusing letter from the above-mentioned gentleman, Cadwallader
Colden, Jr., written in 1796, part of which will bear repetition, as it evinces
great ingeniousness in dealing with the lady's family. He says :

88 HISTORIC HOUSES AND REVOLUTIONARY LETTERS

" After clearing a little land, commencing a barn and house, I thought
it was proper to look for a housekeeper; and before my house was
finished, I had got one in the neighborhood, for I could not spare time to
go far, and if I had I should have fared no better — she making as good a
wife as if she had been brought up by my own mother. She is of the
name of Ellison, an English family, the most respectable then in this
neighborhood and also wealthy. We have now lived together above fifty
years, and I believe no fifty years were spent happier by any one pair.
While I am writing she is as busy at her needle as if just beginning the
world, and looks almost as young, although the mother of twelve children
— six only of whom are living."

These children were Cadwallader, Thomas, Alexander, David, Alice,
and Margaret.

Margaret, the second daughter of Thomas Ellison, born in 1728, mar-
ried John Crooke of New York, and had only one child, who married the
Rev. Charles Inglis, curate of St. Paul's church before the Revolution,
in New York city. When hostilities broke out, this reverend gentleman,
like most of the colonial clergy, adhered to the crown and refused the
request to omit prayers for the king on the occasion of Washington's
visit to Trinity. Pending the outbreak of hostilities he removed, in 1775,
his family then consisting of his wife and three children, Mrs. Crooke, his
mother-in-law, and four servants, to Goshen. In 1776 he obtained per-
mission from the provincial convention for their return to New York by
flag of truce, and they accordingly returned, via New Windsor, in one of
Mr. Ellison's sloops. Having been included with his wife in the act of
attainder of 1779, the return of peace rendered it obligatory on Mr. Inglis
to leave the states. He accordingly accompanied some loyalists of his con-
gregation to Annapolis, Nova Scotia. He was consecrated bishop of that
province August 12, 1787, and was appointed member of the provincial
council in 1809. He died in 18 16, aged eighty-two years. His son John
was the third English bishop of Nova Scotia.

One of the daughters of the first Bishop Inglis married the well-
known Judge Haliburton, celebrated as the author of Sam Slick.

Of the children of Colonel Thomas Ellison of New Windsor, the
eldest son, Thomas Ellison, Jr., was born in 1732 at New Windsor; he
married Miss Mary Peck of New York, whose family name is still asso-
ciated with their property at Peck's Slip in New York ; the second son,
John, born in 1736, married Catharine Johnston of Kingston; while
the third son, William, born in 1739, married Mary Floyd, daughter of
Benjamin Floyd of Brookhaven, Long Island. William Ellison was a

HISTORIC HOUSES AND REVOLUTIONARY LETTERS

captain in his father's regiment of Ulster county militia, his commission
bearing date December 17, 1772. Thomas Ellison, Jr., became his
father's factor in New York city, and from 1762 throughout the Revolu-
tion carried on a correspondence with his father at New Windsor. As
the younger Ellison was a member of the " Committee of One Hundred,"
and his letters throw
much light upon the
effect of the Stamp Act
and the events of those
troublesome times, the
following extracts will
have permanent public
interest :

" Sept. 5th. 1765.
By report there is a
great disturbance at Bos-
ton about the Stamp
Act &c. It is said they
have pulled the Lieuten-
ant-governor's house
down — taken what
money and plate he had
in the house and de-
stroyed all his papers

they could come at, and have ransacked two other houses. They have
also pulled down two other houses at Rhode Island. The flames seem
to be coming westward and there is a good deal of talk in town."

" Sept. nth, 1765.
The authorities are carrying provisions and ammunition into the fort
and the governor's family are moving in. There has been nothing done
here, but there is a good deal of talk and I do not think there will be any
disturbance unless it be when the Stamps arrive. It is reported there are
two men of war lying at the Hook to guard the ship up that brings them."

" Oct. 23d, 1765.
Captain Davis has come at last who has the disagreeable Stamp
papers on board. Most of the vessels in the harbour had their colours
half hoisted. She was guarded up by two men of war who have carried
her in the North river to land the Stamps at the fort."

REAR OF THE HOME OF COLONEL THOMAS ELLISON.

go HISTORIC HOUSES AND REVOLUTIONARY LETTERS

" Nov. 4th, 1765.

The governor by advice of the general has consented to deliver the
Stamps to-morrow morning to the corporation. If they will receive them
it will settle the minds of the populace in some measure, which have been
greatly excited by fortifying the fort in so strong a manner, and spiking
all the guns on the Battery. The governor has made a great many
enemies by this proceeding and it is dangerous to say anything in his
behalf.

The City-Hall bell is now ringing to call the inhabitants together to
have their advice and ascertain if it be agreeable that the corporation
should take them under their care. Have just heard that a letter was
sent to the Treasurer last night, to deposit a sum of money in a certain
place, or take the consequences of a failure to do so."

" Nov. 6th, 1765.
I have already written you an account of the disturbances in the city
and the extraordinary fortifying of the fort, even on the tops of the
houses, which greatly excited the minds of the people. The most of the
people living near the fort have moved their effects and there would have
been a great disturbance in the city last night had not the Stamps been
delivered to the mayor and corporation, who have placed them in the
City-Hall. It is believed now there will be no trouble with regard to the
Stamps unless the new governor when he arrives should endeavor to put
them in force which would be impossible with what troops are here."

" Nov. 13th, 1765.

Governor Moore arrived this morning and his commission was pub-
lished by one o'clock. I suppose in a few days we shall know some of
our new master's sentiments as the Assembly met yesterday, though not
in sufficient numbers to make a house. The man of war has orders from
Lord Colin to stop or seize all vessels that are not cleared on stamped
papers, which puts a stop to trade though hope it will not continue long;
the Sons of Liberty are not satisfied nor I suppose will they be till busi-
ness goes on in the usual way."

" Apl. 26th, 1766.

Yesterday afternoon the packet came in which brought the news that
the Stamp Act was actually repealed which occasioned great joy. Candles
were put up at every house and about 2 o'clock in the morning all the
bells began to ring and colours were hoisted on almost every vessel, and
in many other places in town. The bells kept ringing till the mail came

HISTORIC HOUSES AND REVOLUTIONARY LETTERS 91

up about 8 o'clock this morning when by the letters it appeared the repeal
had but just passed the House of Commons, which put a stop to our
rejoicings.

It is reported that nine regiments of troops are coming over, the
authorities at home disliking very much the tone of the last remon-
strances from New York."

" Jan. 1 8th, 1770.
Our city is yet in a ferment, and last Saturday night a party of
soldiers attempted to cut down or blow up the liberty pole. Last night
they effected it which raised the resentment of many of the people who
met in the field [now City-Hall Park] this day: they separated how-
ever without any riot. The officers ordered all the soldiers to remain
in their barracks, many of them remaining to see their orders obeyed."

" Dec. 30th, 1773.

Last night there was a dreadful fire, the governor's house in the fort
was burnt and not the least thing saved. The governor, lady and
daughter escaped almost naked as they jumped out of bed. The fire was
discovered just after 1 1 o'clock, and though the sentry was in a manner
around, it was not discovered until it appeared out of the chimnies, when
it soon burst out of the windows. The Assembly has made the governor
a present of ,£5,000 towards his loss."

" Apl. 9th, 1774.

There was yesterday afternoon a very great seizure made of thirty-six
chests of tea, a number of cases of gin and other liquors, amounting in
value to ^5,000. These acts in connection with the other burdens forced
upon the colonies by the mother country, the navigation laws of Parlia-
ment, tending to destroy their commerce, by not allowing them to trade
with any foreign country, nor export to England their own merchandise
except' in British vessels, and other grievances with which the history of
the time abounds, caused a feeling of deep resentment towards Great
Britain, among the merchants of New York, and a resort to measures for
their own protection. This evening, May 16, the merchants had a meeting
in order to consult what measures should be taken to effect a repeal of
the duty on tea ; a non-importation act is talked of, which if it should be
resolved upon, the next step would probably be, the stoppage of our
port, as in the case of Boston. Nothing was concluded on at the time
but to choose a committee to correspond with the sister colonies, and to
transact business. Subsequently a large meeting was held by the inhab-

92 HISTORIC HOUSES AND REVOLUTIONARY LETTERS

itants of the city at the coffee-house to approve of the nomination of
fifty merchants chosen as such committee."

" Jan. 27th, 1775.
Yesterday the question came up before the assembly whether they
should take up the proceedings of congress. After a warm debate it was
decided against so doing eleven to ten. Many here think that the assem-
bly should take no notice of what the congress has done, but petition
themselves, which would be the most likely means of healing the un-
happy breach. This morning the 31st, the packet arrived bringing the
king's speech which is unfriendly to our proceedings, especially at Boston.
I have seen it and it is said the address from the Commons echoes the
same sentiments, being determined to enforce the authority of Parliament
over all the British dominions. It is said there are four thousand more
troops coming over to Boston, and that Sir Geoffry Amherst and Sir Wm.
Draper are coming over to take command in place of General Gage. Two
ships arrived this morning from Scotland ; our committee meets this
evening, and they will probably be sent back without landing their goods.
This will make this province in as bad odour as the others."

" Feb. 6th, 1775.
One of the Scotch ships went down to the watering place this morn-
ing on her return to Scotland where she still remains requiring some
repairs. It is said some people were in favor of her coming up though
very few : should she return it will kick up a dust for there was some
altercation on the dock upon her leaving. I heard a noise before I was
up this morning, and soon ascertained it was an informer they had got on
a cart and were administering a coat of tar and feathers to him. It seems
he had informed against a lot of hemp that was lodged in a cellar. He
was carted almost around the town before the magistrates could collect,
they rescued him however and have got two of the acting persons in jail
and seem to be spirited in suppressing such conduct."

"Feb. nth, 1775.
The January packet has arrived and brings some favorable accounts.
It is said the king has received the petition from the congress and intends
laying it before Parliament. The supporters of the measures of the
congress attribute great merit to them, and the merchants in England
who have their connections here are making interest to have our griev-
ances repealed and are going to petition the king. I sincerely wish they

HISTORIC HOUSES AND REVOLUTIONARY LETTERS

COLONEL THOMAS ELLISON, THE THIRD.

would and that many thousands of others would join to obtain our
redress on a lasting foundation ; but still I can't be without fears that we
shall not have every redress our sanguine expectations could wish ; there-
fore would have all constitutional measures still pursued to effect a last
reconciliation."

94 HISTORIC HOUSES AND REVOLUTIONARY LETTERS

" Feb. 27th, 1775.
By the newspapers you will see the people to the eastward are exer-
cising and fitting their men for war, it is suspected that there will be some
sudden thing done in the spring by the troops, as they have been prepar-
ing wagons and field equipage."

" March 2d, 1775.

This is the day the non-consumption of tea was to take place ; I be-
lieve a great many in the city have broken the agreement already. How
it will be at the assembly this evening I do not know. One of the dele-
gates, Mr. T , is one of the managers who has said there shall be no tea

drank on that occasion, if so, it may make some disturbance. It was ex-
pected there would have been some parade this day in burying the tea
canister, and burning some of the remains of the tea, but there was
nothing. By the paper you will see there was a great majority for a
provincial congress to elect delegates to the next congress. The majority
here are for a continental congress, but that they should be instructed.
Mr. Isaac Low, chairman of the present committee, has declined serving
as a deputy, nor will he go as delegate to the next congress, so suppose
we shall have new ones."

"Apl. 9th, 1775.

The Boston post brought us last night disagreeable news respecting
our public affairs. The Parliament have voted the Bostonians in actual
rebellion, and the other provinces aides and abettors : two hundred and
sixty against eighty, so that there was a great majority against those who
will support his majesty with their lives and fortunes. It is said that all the
ports on the continent are to be blocked up with men of war, and we are
to be permitted to trade only with England and with no foreign port. It
is reported as a certainty that there are six regiments of foot, and two of
light horse coming over immediately ; and also twenty small men of war
to block up all the ports. Saturday afternoon Captain Sears was arrested
and taken before the mayor, when refusing to give bail was taken to jail,
but on the way and going up the steps was rescued by a number of people
and carried through some of the streets. In the evening there was a
meeting in the field, when he took the sense of those present as to whether
he should give bail. Some were for and some against his doing so. A
hand bill is in circulation signed by Ralph Thurman who has offended
many by packing some straw in trusses that was purchased for the troops
at Boston. Accordingly many of those who were in the field on Saturday
evening, went to Thurman's house to cause him to make concessions to

HISTORIC HOUSES AND REVOLUTIONARY LETTERS 95

them, which he refused to do. His brother stood in the door with a pair
of pistols, with upper door open, and declared if any entered he would
fire. None attempted to enter and after staying- till nine or ten o'clock,
dispersed without obtaining any satisfaction."

" Apl. 25th, 1775.

You will see in yesterday's paper the melancholy account from Boston
which is this day confirmed by the way of Waterford. I fain would hope
it is not so bad as represented, yet I fear there is too much in it. If any
lives are lost it will be attended with bad consequences and no doubt will
raise America unanimously against the troops ; for who could see their
countrymen butchered and not endeavor to prevent it. Should the troops
have made the attack on the people it will unite every man against them.
There were two sloops at our dock loaded with flour &c. for the army at
Boston which were immediately unloaded, though Sunday. There was
also a ship loaded for the same place, which was fallen down to the water-
ing place [lower bay of New York] which they intended also to bring up
and unload, but the man of war heard of it and sent some men on board,
and yesterday morning saw her safely out of the Hook, which will be the
last they will get from here should any part of the account be true. This
news raised the spirits of the people so highly that on Sunday evening
they went in a large body to the City-Hall and took out the province
arms, about five hundred stand. Should the accounts from Boston be
true, it is probable that as soon as the congress meets at Philadelphia, a
non-exportation act will be agreed upon in order to prevent the troops be-
ing supplied with provisions."

" Apl. 29th, 1775.

Ever since the news from Boston, the city has been in tumult and
confusion, but has subsided some ; and hope we shall soon be in order as
people of every turn, warm as well as moderate, will join in establishing
it. The committee have again met and held up the same hundred men,
nominated and appointed an election for them on Monday next: when
they are chosen they will enter into proper regulations. There is a
spirited association set on foot and will be signed I believe by every man
in town, the purport of which is to support the measures of the con-
tinental congress, and also of the provincial congress, and the proceedings
of the committee, which will be a means of keeping peace in the city. I
heard Mr. Oliver De Lancey will sign it if it be not inconsistent with his
oath, and Judge Livingston has already signed it. By the latest accounts
from Boston, it appears the regulars have lost, killed and taken prisoners
three hundred and thirty-two and the loss by the Bostonians thirty or

g6 HISTORIC HOUSES AND REVOLUTIONARY LETTERS

forty. There is a report in town that a cessation of arms is agreed on
which may be confirmed.

We hear that the Bostonians have sent all their men home except
eighteen of each company, who are kept as an army of observation, lest
the troops should make another excursion. Our city which was divided
about the mode of redress, is now united, and of one way of thinking,
that spirited measures will be most likely to bring on a reconciliation ; as
we cannot bear the thought of being dragooned into measures we dis-
approve of. Our custom house will probably be open next week, but we
expect all our ports will be closed as soon as the congress meets at Phila-
delphia, unless we have more favourable accounts which will not probably
be the case, as we hear the three generals expected, have arrived at
Boston. Since the affair at the latter place, it is necessary to act with
more spirit than before ; those who were in hopes it might have been
settled without spilling of blood, will join heartily now in more spirited
measures, which will be the means of preventing the effusion of more
blood. You will see the names of the association in the papers, which is
universally signed and hope yourself and Brother William will also put
your names to it, as civil government is very weak, it is necessary com-
mittees should be appointed, to keep order and prevent running into con-
fusion till these troubles can be settled. All those refusing to become
members of the association here are to have their names returned to the
committee. The committee assembly have agreed to raise six thousand
men at once, and have appointed their generals and other officers.

I am glad to hear that you and my brother have acted with decision
in the troublesome times as nothing but a spirited behavior will save us.
I have heard that your committee had written to ours, that you were
in want of arms and ammunition and requesting them to advance the
money, which was declined and recommended when they wanted any-
thing of the kind to raise the money by subscription. I cannot hear of
a quarter cask of powder for you, to be had in the city. Several of our
principal men are going to England immediately. Mr. John Watts,
Henry Cruger, Roger Morris, Colonel Maunsell and many others.

A vessel has just arrived from Liverpool having spoken six transports
to the eastward, with troops, and reports that fifteen or sixteen hundred
Regulars are coming here from England."

" Apl. 27th, 1775.

Since my last letter to you there has been a meeting at the liberty
pole, and a great majority were for shutting up our port immediately, and
from thence they went to Mr. Elliot's house, a great number with arms

HISTORIC HOUSES AND REVOLUTIONARY LETTERS qj

and demanded the keys of the custom-house. We have no later accounts
from Boston, and fear the next will be of a general battle. We are now
involved in a civil war and must sink or swim with the other colonies.
Nothing can save us but the closest union of the whole, should we divide
it will make an opening for civil war among ourselves, which would be much
worse than with the soldiers. I was for moderate measures, but the face
of affairs is now changed and to-morrow a general committee is to be
chosen of one hundred men, my own name being on the list. On Fri-
day at 12 o'clock they began to choose committee men, but soon after
stopped as some disapproved of it.

Just now a report has come to town that the men of war have seized
all the vessels at Salem, and are coming here and to Philadelphia to do
the same. I hope your country will be prudent and not become divided,
as a spirited opposition to the acts of the army will be necessary. Our
committee have again met and erased some of the names from the list
that were objected, De Lancey's, Thurman's &c. They have also agreed
to have an association to be signed by the inhabitants, in defence of their
rights and liberties which will be universally agreed to. It is conceded if
a fleet and army come here it will be impossible to hold the town, there-
fore they have concluded to carry all the cannon &c, up to King's-bridge,
and fortify a place there, and some of the cannon are already on their way.
It is said there are seven hundred or eight hundred men from Connecticut
on the march here and some of their officers are already come to town."

" May 19th, 1775.

There is little news just now, save what appears in the papers of the
day. Our committee have agreed to send the Connecticut men notice
that they are not immediately wanted here ; there is also a report that a
64 gun ship is coming here from Boston.

This morning (26th) the Asia a 64 gun ship came in the harbor from
Boston and lays directly opposite Coenties dock. The Captain has gone
to the governor's at Flushing. Our committee are going round the wards
to see if they can raise ten thousand pounds by subscription on loan to be
repaid by the province. They subscribe from £20 to £200; I have put
my name down for .£30. I have heard it mentioned that our congress
had partly determined on the number of men to be raised, which is two
thousand eight hundred."

" June 7th, 1775.

There is a report that the people of Rhode-Island have taken a 20 gun
frigate by stratagem (without the loss of a man), brought her to dock and

Vol. XXIV.— No. 2.-7

98 HISTORIC HOUSES AND REVOLUTIONARY LETTERS

taken out her guns and ammunition. What can't Americans do ? Though
it will be well if we do not pay for it."

"June 13th, 1775.
Our committee meetings are not yet over, for after the provisional
congress had published the order to keep the peace and not disturb the
king's store, and had got those things replaced that were removed at
Turtle bay, last Sunday night they were taken out again by some New
England men, put on board a sloop and carried up the sound. The
Kingfisher man of war went in pursuit, but is returned without meeting
her. The congress has fixed upon Thursday 20th of July as a day of fast-
ing, and abstaining from labor, and it is thought our own exportation act
will go into effect on that day, if it does it may be said we shall cease
from our labors, with a good deal of propriety. Last Wednesday we had
an account from Norwich of another fight at Boston and that the provin-
cials were obliged to retreat with considerable loss. By the accounts of
the action at Cambridge it is uncertain which has gained the day and it
is probable there will be skirmishes every week in which many lives will be
lost. I send you the account of a motion made by our agent, Mr. Burke,
for leave to bring the Remonstrance from our Assembly to the table,
which you will see was defeated by Lord North. This being the mode of
redress recommended by Lord North and now rejected will no doubt
turn every American in opposition and convince them that nothing but
absolute submission to Parliament will suffice, or decide it by the sword ;
which last alternative must be the case, as America never will, unless
compelled, submit. They have begun this day, July 4th, to enlist men,
and it is said they are coming in very fast."

" July 16th, 1775.
On Thursday last the man of war's barge was taken by some Connecti-
cut men, they supposing she intended to capture their sloop which they
were using to carry their stores. The barge however had no such inten-
tion, and was only going to land a sick man, unluckily near where this
sloop lay near the shipyards. They drew the barge up into the street,
and carried the men prisoners to the camp. General Worster disapproved
of the action, ordered the men to be released at once and the barge
returned, at the same time writing a polite note to the captain disavowing
the proceeding and offering to make good any damage to the boat. His
order was so far complied with as to put the boat in the water, but one or
two men said to have belonged to the man of war had deserted, set her
on fire and sent her adrift, in which situation she drifted down the river

HISTORIC HOUSES AND REVOLUTIONARY LETTERS 99

in sight of the man of war. The mayor and corporation and the commit-
tee of the congress have disapproved of it in a hand-bill which they have
published, and also of the breaking open of the king's stores at North
River."

" July 20th, 1775.

This day has been observed as a solemn fast and sermons were
preached in all the churches, suitable to the times. There never was a
time when fasting and Prayer were more necessary for we are living upon
a volcano which at any time may burst forth."

"Sept. 4th, 1775.

The city has been pretty quiet for some days past, though two boats
have been burnt, supposed to have belonged to a sloop from Stattsburgh
with provisions from the man of war, though one of them belonged to an
armed tender of the latter vessel. People still continue moving their
effects out of town. We fear having very troublesome times here, the
accounts from home are unfavorable and the men of war have very strict
orders to enforce obedience, the ministry being determined to support
Parliament : though it is thought internal taxation will be given up. It
is said that the governor has sent the mayor an extract of a letter from
Lord Dartmouth, informing him that orders are sent to all the men of
war to prevent all forts and batteries from being erected, and if they
should attempt to build any, or the inhabitants should move any of the
cannon &c. which belong to the king, to fire on the town and cities until
they desist. I hear they are going on with the fort at West Point and
my carpenter John Adams has gone up as head workman."

Here ends apparently the correspondence between Thomas Ellison,
Jr., and his father Colonel Ellison of New Windsor, the former having
doubtless left the city. Colonel Ellison died in 1779, having dwelt at New
Windsor nearly sixty years. Among the manuscripts of Colonel Ellison
appears the following letter from Governor Tryon :

" New York, March 10th, 1774.

Sir : — I have been favored with your letter of 27th January, and am so
well satisfied with your reasons for forming the regiment into two bat-
talions, that I have ordered the commissions for the field officers to be
made out agreeable to your recommendation, except that I have given
the command of the first battalion to James Clinton, Esq., out of respect
to his family and in consideration of the long and faithful services of the

IOO HISTORIC HOUSES AND REVOLUTIONARY LETTERS

deceased old gentleman, and his surviving son James Clinton, in the
provincial service of the last war.

I am with regard, your obt. and Humble Servant,

W. M. Tryon."

Thomas Ellison, Jr., had a town house at No. 13 Broadway, near the
Bowling Green, New York city, long occupied by the Ellison family in
winter. At his death, childless, in 1796, he left a large estate in both city
and country. The " Ellison and De Peyster" water grant is known to all
lawyers, and many a conveyancer will be glad to learn something more of
the name of Ellison which appears constantly in abstracts of title in the
city of New York. By his will Colonel Ellison bequeathed to the Epis-
copal church at New Windsor an endowment sufficient to establish it on
a sure footing. His property descended largely to the children of his
brother William Ellison of New Windsor, who had married Miss Floyd
of Long Island, a connection of the family of the " signer/'

William Ellison died in the year 18 10, at his estate in New Wind-
sor, leaving three children : Thomas Ellison (3d), who married Harriet
Rumsey, daughter of Colonel Charles Rumsey of Cecil county, Mary-
land, a gentleman facile princeps in his county and an officer in the Revo-
lutionary war ; Elizabeth, who married Benjamin Floyd of Long Island;
and Margaret, who married John Blackburn Miller of New York. The
eight children of Thomas Ellison (3d) and Harriet Rumsey were well
known to the older families of the state: Mary J. married Thomas De
Lancey, Eliza married Dr. Edward Bullus, Henrietta married Charles F.
Morton, U. S. A., John married Mary A. Ross, Caroline married Edmund
Morton, Emily married John L. Morton, Thomas (4th) married Mary A.
Ellison (2d, Elizabeth Baker), Charlotte married William C. Maitland.
Charles F., Edmund, and John L. Morton were brothers, and sons of
General Jacob Morton, famous in the early annals of New York city
under the state government. They were likewise nephews of Josiah
Quincy of Boston and of Washington Morton who married Cornelia,
daughter of General Philip Schuyler.

On some parts of the old New Windsor property, held under title
deeds dating back to the first settlement of the county of Orange, or
indeed of that part of the province of New York, still live some of the
descendants of the honored first proprietor of the region, John Ellison
of old New Castle-on-Tyne.

>^*^

GLIMPSES OF LOG-CABIN LIFE IN EARLY OHIO

It is hardly possible to imagine a more picturesque field for the
novelist as well as the historian, than the wilderness farms of the heroic
settlers of eastern Ohio during the memorable years when that state was
girding on its armor preparatory to knocking for admission to the Union.
The families who planted their crude homes in the new country were
chiefly from New England, representing its best blood, its industry, and
its thrift, together with the heroism of all the ages. Log-cabins were
erected with comparative ease, and dainty hands were not slow to give
them touches of color. An honest title-deed to any given number of
acres of rich land was a powerful incentive to its clearing and cultivation,
which few ambitious young men could resist. Thus we find these settlers
running all manner of risks to accomplish their purposes, even that of star-
vation— for unless there was a flour-mill within reach the Indian hunting-
grounds were anything but comfortable in the beginning.

A chapter of romantic interest might chronicle the adventures and dis-
appointments of a party of Frenchmen, who, captivated by the glowing
descriptions of Joel Barlow, journeyed across the Atlantic to find the
enchanting region where every man might become a great land-owner ; a
paradise, with " climate healthy and delightful, scarcely such a thing as
frost in winter, magnificent forests of a tree from which sugar flows, and a
shrub which yields candles; venison in abundance, without foxes, wolves,
lions, or tigers ; no taxes to pay ; no military enrollments ; no quarters to
find for soldiers ; a river called by way of eminence The Beautiful, abound-
ing in fish of enormous size;" and the land only five shillings per acre ! In
his Story of Ohio Alexander Black says : "The jolly scrapings of a fiddle
were one night heard by the Ohio boatmen as they drifted past a hitherto
untenanted part of the Scioto region. Fast and furious came the melodies,
to which sounded the accompaniment of dancing feet. Occasionally a
shout of approval greeted the player, but the shout was lustiest when the
instrument gave forth the strains of the Marseillaise. For among the tall
sycamores was encamped a company whose members had traveled all the
way from sunny France."

Joel Barlow did not return to America for many years after his famous
efforts to sell land in Ohio, but devoted himself to politics and letters.
He never wandered through the state which his gifts as a poet enabled

102 GLIMPSES OF LOG-CABIN LIFE IN EARLY OHIO

him to picture as such a veritable Arcadia; never paused before log-cabin
doors to observe the life within, and how in the midst of loneliness and
danger it was possible to find means of recreation — even to the giving of
a stately ball. At all " raisings " and " quilting-parties " in the early-
times a dance usually followed in the evening, " and if there was no
fiddler, good whistlers and good singers were plenty."

The description of the building of a log-cabin by John S. Williams,
who removed with his father's family from one of the Carolinas to the
locality in Ohio directly west of Wheeling, West Virginia, is suggestive in
the superlative degree. He says : " Our cabin had been raised, covered,
part of the cracks chinked, and part of the floor laid, when we moved in,
on Christmas day ! There had not been a stick cut except in building the
cabin. We had intended an inside chimney, for we thought the chimney
ought to be in the house. We had a log put across the whole width of
the cabin for a mantel, but when the floor was in we found it so low as
not to answer, and removed it. Here was a great change for my mother
and sister, as well as the rest, but particularly my mother. She was raised
in the most delicate manner in and near London, and lived most of her
time in affluence, and always comfortable. She was now in the wilder-
ness, surrounded by wild beasts, in a cabin with about half a floor, no
door, no ceiling overhead, not even a tolerable sign for a fireplace, the light
of day and the chilling winds of night passing between every two logs in
the building, the cabin so high from the ground that a bear, wolf, panther,
or any other animal less in size than a cow, could go under without even
a squeeze.

Such was our situation on Thursday and Thursday night, December
25, 1800, and which was bettered only by very slow degrees. Our family
consisted of my mother, a sister of twenty-two, my brother, nearly twenty-
one and very weakly, and myself in my eleventh year.

In building our cabin it was set to front the north and south, my
brother using my father's pocket compass on the occasion. We had no
idea of living in a house that did not stand square with the earth itself.
We had, as the reader will see, a window — if it could be called a window
when perhaps it was the largest spot in the top, bottom, or sides of the
cabin at which the wind could not enter. It was made by sawing out a
log, placing sticks across, and then, by pasting an old newspaper over the
hole and applying some hogs' lard, we had a kind of glazing which shed a
most beautiful and mellow light across the cabin when the sun shone on
it. All other light entered at the doors, cracks, and chimney. The size
of our cabin was twenty-four by eighteen. The west end was occupied by

GLIMPSES OF LOG-CABIN LIFE IN EARLY OHIO

103

JOEI. BARLOW.

Front the painting by Robert Fulton.

io4

GLIMPSES OF LOG-CABIN LIFE IN EARLY OHIO

two beds, the centre of each side by a door, and here our symmetry had to
stop, for on the opposite side of the window, made of clapboards and sup-
ported on pins driven into the logs, were our shelves. Upon these shelves
my sister displayed, in ample order, a host of pewter plates, basins and
dishes, and spoons, scoured and bright. It was none of your new-fangled
pewter made of lead, but the best London pewter, which our father him-
self bought of Townsend, the manufacturer. These were the plates upon
which you could hold your meat so as to cut it without slipping and with-
out dulling your knife. But alas ! the days of pewter plates and sharp
dinner knives have passed away never to return.

Our chimney occupied most of the east end ; pots and kettles opposite

OUR CABIN.

From Howe^s Historical Collections.

the window under the shelves, a gun on hooks over the north door, four
split-bottom chairs, three three-legged stools, and a small eight-by-ten
looking-glass sloped from the wall over a large towel and comb-case.
These, with a clumsy shovel and a pair of tongs, made in Frederick, with
one shank straight, completed our furniture — except a spinning-wheel, and
things to work with. It was absolutely necessary to have three-legged stools,
as four legs of anything could not all touch the floor at the same time.

The first winter our living was scanty and hard : but even this winter
had its felicities. We had part of a barrel of flour which we had brought
from Frederick town, and part of a jar of hogs' lard brought from old
Carolina ; not the tasteless stuff which now goes by that name, but pure
leaf lard, taken from hogs raised on pine roots and fattened on sweet po-

GLIMPSES OF LOG-CABIN LIFE IN EARLY OHIO 105

tatoes, and into which, while rendering, were immersed the boughs of the
fragrant bay tree, that imparted to the lard a rich flavor. Of that flour,
shortened with this lard, my sister, every Sunday morning, and at no other
time, made short biscuit for breakfast — not these greasy, gum-elastic bis-
cuit we mostly meet with now, rolled out with a pin, or cut out with a cut-
ter ; or those that are speckled by or puffed up with refined lye, called
saleratus ; but made one by one with her fair hands, and placed in neat
juxtaposition in a skillet or spider, pricked with a fork, to prevent blistering,
and baked before an open fire — not half baked and half stewed in a cook-
ing-stove. Our regular supper was mush and milk. At first we had to
manufacture meal, when we had corn, in any way we could get the corn
into pieces. We soaked and pounded it, we shaved it, we planed it, and,
at the proper season, grated it. When one of our neighbors got a hand-
mill it was thought quite an acquisition to the neighborhood. Salt was
five dollars a bushel, and we used none in our corn-bread, which we soon
liked as well without it.

The evenings of the first winter did not pass off as pleasantly as the
evenings afterwards. We had not yet raised tobacco to stem and twist,
we had no corn to shell, no turnips to scrape. We had no tow to spin into
rope-yarn, nor straw to plait for hats, and we had come so late we could
get but few walnuts to crack. We had, however, the Bible, George Fox's
Journal, Barkley's Apology, and a number of books, and to our stock we
soon after added a borrowed copy of Pilgrim s Progress, which we read
twice through without stopping. . . . We had no candles, and cared
little about them, except for summer use. In Carolina we had the real
fat light-wood — not merely pine knots, but the fat straight pine. This,
from the brilliancy of our parlor of winter evenings, might be supposed
to put not only candles, lamps, camphene, Greenough's chemical oil, but
even gas itself to the blush. In the west we had not this, but my business
was to ramble the woods every evening for seasoned sticks, or the bark
of the shelly hickory, for light. 'Tis true that our light was not as good
as even candles, but we got along without fretting, for we depended
more upon the goodness of our eyes than upon the brilliancy of the
light."

Ephraim Cutler, the eldest son of Rev. Manasseh Cutler, furnishes in
his recently published autobiography a graphic picture of early life in Ohio.
He removed from Connecticut, reaching the wilds of the west in 1795,
and subsequently became a judge in the courts, a member of the terri-
torial legislature, and of the convention which formed the first constitu-
tion of Ohio. In later years he introduced the first bill into the legis-

106 GLIMPSES OF LOG-CABIN LIFE IN EARLY OHIO

lature of the state for establishing a system of common schools in Ohio.
He describes the openings in the forest about 1796, made passable for
pack-horses, the discovery of salt springs, and the boiling down of the
water to make salt. He relates : " I often went up with parties to make
salt, and had at one time in my company a lively little Frenchman, named
Peter Noblaise, who came from France with the Gallipolis French. One
evening, two gentlemen called, and requested our hospitality for the night.
They appeared like foreigners, but spoke English well. Peter soon dis-
covered that the visitors were Frenchmen, and after we were collected in
our cabin he and one of them became very loquacious in their native
language. Peter, being a good singer, commenced the Marseilles Hymn,
and sang several other French airs, in which he was joined by one or both
of the strangers. The other man, who was a person of fine figure and
engaging manners, confined his conversation mostly to me, asking many
minute questions about the Ohio Company and the settlers at Marietta,
and especially respecting the French at Gallipolis. We conversed until
after midnight, when I gave him my bunk and bearskin for his bed. The
n.ext morning he thanked me in the most cordial manner for our entertain-
ment. As they were about to start, the one who had talked with Peter
took him aside, and told him we had entertained the Duke of Orleans
[afterward Louis Philippe, king of France]." *

The founding of the town of Ames, in 1799, was one of those interest-
ing incidents of which Ohio has an over-abundance. The first trees were
cut down in May, and logs were made ready for a cabin. In 1801 Judge
Cutler wrote to his father : " At our last court, by the united petition of
our inhabitants, we were incorporated by the name of Ames. This name
I proposed to the people, and they unanimously agreed to it (after offer-
ing and insisting upon the name of Cutler, which I thought best to op-
pose). The able support the Hon. Fisher Ames gave you and the other
directors in settling your business with congress, and his enlightened,
enlarged, and truly just ideas respecting the western country and politics
in general, with other reasons, induced me to fix on his name. We have
one hundred and sixty-one souls in Ames, which was two years ago a howl-
ing wilderness, where only wild beasts and hostile savages were found.
Suffer me to say, for it cost me months of toil and anxiety, that of this
settlement I look upon myself as the sole founder. I do think its native
woods would yet clothe every foot of it if I had not stepped forward
and made the exertions I have, regardless of trouble and fatigue. But
I am richly repaid by the success which has crowned the undertaking."

* Life and Times of Ephraim Cutler, page 33.

GLIMPSES OF LOG-CABIN LIFE IN EARLY OHIO

107

CINCINNATI IN l8lO. THE PRIMITIVE OUTLOOK.

From Hozve^s Historical Collections.

Judge Cutler further explains in his narrative : " The respectability and
success of the settlement at Ames resulted, I believe, from the character
of its early citizens, and the direction they gave to its affairs. Of these
besides Captain Benjamin Brown and Lieutenant George Ewing (whose
history is part and parcel of the history of our beloved country) were Sil-
vanus Ames, afterward judge, and his accomplished and estimable wife
who came here in 1800, and near the same time the worthy Deacon Joshua
Wyatt and his wife, a pious and intelligent woman, also Mr. John Brown
and Colonel Absalom Boyles, both prominent and useful men. About
1804 a number of good families moved into the township, among them
Judge George Walker, an active and influential citizen, Mr. Jason Rice,
Mr. Abel Glazier, and other desirable accessions. The settlers very
early entered into an agreement not to use ardent spirits at elections, on
the fourth of July, at social parties, raisings, logging-bees, or any public
occasion, and to this agreement they strictly adhered for many years.
The sabbath was also observed as a day of rest, and meetings for public
worship were held, conducted by Deacon Wyatt. On these occasions
Burder's Village Sermons were usually read.

Schools of an elevated character were soon established. In 1801 my
cousin Moses Everett taught a school in a room in my house. He was a
son of Rev. Moses Everett of Dorchester, Massachusetts, and a graduate
of Harvard in 1786. He entered the army and died at Fort Erie in 1814.

108 GLIMPSES OF LOG-CABIN LIFE IN EARLY OHIO

The next teacher was my brother Charles Cutler, who came to Ohio early
in 1802. He graduated at Harvard college in 1793, and taught school
several years in Boston. He was a man of ability and a fine scholar. He
came to the west on account of his health, and died at my house in Ames,
September 17, 1805. I took the United States Gazette, at that time the
only paper taken in the place, and this, except by fortunate accident, did
not arrive much oftener than once in three months.

In our isolated condition we felt the need of other means of acquiring
information. At a public meeting of the inhabitants of Ames in 1802,
called to devise means to improve our roads, the intellectual wants of the
neighborhood became the subject of conversation. It was suggested that
a library would supply what was needed, but the settlers had no money,
and with few exceptions were in debt for their lands. The question of
ways and means was discussed. Mr. Josiah True of Sunday creek set-
tlement proposed to obtain the means by catching 'coons and sending
their skins to Boston by Samuel Brown, Esq., who expected to go east in
a wagon the next summer. Esquire Brown was present and assented to
this proposition. Our young men were active hunters ; the 'coon skins
and other furs were furnished and sent to market, and the books were
bought. The Rev. Thaddeus Harris and the Rev. Manasseh Cutler selected
for us about fifty volumes of choice books, and to these additions were
made from time to time. As the settlement increased and children grew7
up, readers were multiplied, and all could have access to the library.
More than fifty young men were trained under these influences, and have
gone out into the world ; some as intelligent farmers, some as success-
ful merchants, others as professional teachers, lawyers, and judges, or
ministers of the gospel — and all have been useful and respectable citizens.
Several of them were educated at the Ohio university ; among whom
were Rev. Edward R. Ames, D. D., the subsequently eloquent and dis-
tinguished bishop of the Methodist Episcopal church, and the Hon.
Thomas Ewing, who by his talents and industry achieved as a lawyer,
statesman, and cabinet officer a national reputation."

The statesman Hon. Thomas Ewing was the son of George Ewing,
before mentioned among the original settlers of Ames, and from the Ohio
university at Athens received in 18 15 the first degree of A. B. that was
ever granted in the northwest. He was in the senate of the United
States from 1831 to 1837, and in 1841 was made secretary of the treasury
by President Harrison. In 1849 he was appointed by President Taylor to
the newly created portfolio of the interior and organized that depart-
ment. He was a statesman of marked ability, and ranked in the supreme

GLIMPSES OF LOG-CABIN LIFE IN EARLY OHIO

court of the United States among the foremost lawyers of the nation.
His daughter became the wife of General W. T. Sherman, and his son,
Thomas Ewing, educated at Brown university, became in 1861 the first
chief-justice of Kansas, and later on served with distinction in the civil
war where he was created a brigadier-general for gallantry. He was after-
ward a member of congress, but finally declined a renomination and re-
moved to New York, where he has since devoted himself to the practice
of law. Two other sons, Hugh B. Ewing and Charles' Ewing, both highly
educated, distinguished themselves in our country's service. General
Hugh B. Ewing led a brigade at Antietam and at the siege of Vicksburg,
and a division at Chickamauga which formed the advance of Sherman's
army, and which in a desperate battle carried Mission Ridge. After the
war, in 1866, he was sent as United States minister to Holland, serving in
that capacity four years. General Charles Ewing was for some time on
the staff of his brother-in-law General Sherman, and during the war on
more than one occasion received honorable promotion for gallantry.

George Ewing kept a full and interesting journal throughout the Rev-
olution, in which he served from the campaign before Quebec to the end
of the war, and notably was first lieutenant of the famous " Jersey Blues."
When he settled in Ames his farm (in the beginning) was eight miles from
any neighbor. His subsequently distinguished son Thomas related that
"when a lad about fifteen, in 1804, he was at work one day in his father's
corn-field, and was hailed by a well-mounted gentleman, who wished to
be entertained all night. The lad with prompt hospitality took his horse,
and conducted him to the log-cabin abode of the family, but was dis-
tressed to find that his father treated the stranger with marked cold-
ness. The latter, however, paid no attention to his apparently unwelcome
reception, but conversed in a sprightly and charming manner, and quite
captivated all the other members of the household except the host.
Next morning as the visitor rode off on the bridle-path, George Ewing
said to his son with great feeling, " That man is Aaron Burr who slew
Alexander Hamilton."

Judge Cutler removed in 1806 to the bank of the Ohio river, six miles
below Marietta, where he resided nearly half a century, until his death in
1853. His diary in the early part of this period is vivid with home scenes
in the wild new country.* Wishing to encourage settlers he bought large
tracts of land on credit and sold them again, in small farms, also on credit,
trusting buyers for the purchase-money until they could raise wheat or
cattle for payment. But there was no market for these productions within

* Life and Times of Ephraim Cutler.

IIO GLIMPSES OF LOG-CABIN LIFE IN EARLY OHIO

easy reach ; to take cattle to Baltimore occupied six weeks in the transit.
He therefore undertook the laborious business himself, driving the first
cattle over the mountains from Ohio to an eastern sale. While on one of
these journeys in 1809, he writes as follows :

" Saturday, August 12. — Conclude to leave Hamill's, who has treated
us with friendship and kindness. Lose cattle : Charles went back and
found all but two. The prospect in descending Alleghany is very pleas-
ing ; there are about thirty farms on George's Hills under view at one
time — a beautiful house and fine farm apparently two or three miles off.
We stop at a Dutchman's at the mouth of Savage, named John Brant,
newly come there. The woman came out and tripped down the river to
call her husband. The house looked very shabby and I expected poor fare.
I thought if we could get a little milk it would be the best we could get,
and expected to lie on the floor and be a prey to the fleas. But appear-
ances are deceitful. We went in after taking care of our cattle, and found
everything orderly and clean, and asked for supper. The woman had four
small children, and no help. She inquired which we would have, coffee
or tea. I told her coffee, and in a few minutes she had a chicken killed,
dressed, and on the table, with bacon, coddled apples, pickles, cucumbers,
apple pie, and I know not what all. The table was set with the neatest
china, and everything had a most exquisite taste ; coffee clear as amber —
and all done in the twinkling of an eye. In the room where we lodged
was a nice bed, an elegant clock, a handsome beaufet, well filled."

In passing through Pennsylvania he describes the Dutch farm-houses
and the peculiarities of the people. On the first day of September, 1809,
he writes : " I went out this day among the farmers to sell cattle. . . .
Mr. Updegraff was not at home, but two young ladies, his daughters, gave
me a polite invitation to come in and sit down. They were Quakeresses ;
their manners were extremely easy. . . . From thence I went to Mr.
Rittle's. He too was absent, but his wife, a proper Dutch woman, told me
she ' should not buys no catties for de drout.' I asked the way to Mr.
Amit's. She told me to ' go the road till I met two houses, and then I would
come to a brick storehouse by de mills, then go to de right, and then, to de
left, to Amit's.' Well, to Amit's I went, but did not find him at home.
His wife and family were at dinner, of which they invited me to partake.
She told me Mr. Amit wanted to buy, and would come and see my cattle.

Sunday, September 3. — If ever a person was homesick I am. I can-
not see the end of my journey or of my toils. ' When I came here yester-
day I hoped to be ready to turn my face homeward by Monday, but am
still disappointed. Our fat landlady sits constantly on the piazza. She

GLIMPSES OF LOG-CABIN LIFE IN EARLY OHIO III

is loquacious enough, but I can understand her with difficulty. ' O my
Got ! ' says she, ' what a little hand. You don't work. There ! ' she thrust
out her own toward me, 'dat's more big dan two of dat,' and fell into a
loud laugh. I thought so too. Hers looked as hard as a wood-chopper's,
and as black as a squaw's. She has two maids to assist her, and the house
is clean and victuals good. The man appears like an honest fat Dutch-
man, and has an excellent farm. . . . The Dutch are remarkable for
having selected the very best lands. They have strong judgment, and are
generally moral and industrious ; but when they are polished they shine
equal with any — for instance, the two Misses Updegraff."

Having disposed of his cattle, Judge Cutler returned to Ohio on horse-
back, and the money received during his absence went far toward aiding
many of the pioneer families to secure titles to their homes.

Senator John Sherman refers to this period as the " Age of the Log-
cabin." He says : " Many of the settlers thought it was the happiest
time in their lives. We talk about hard times now ! Then the pioneer
was glad to get thirty-two cents a bushel for wheat ; eggs and butter could
not be sold for money. The only way they could get money was to drive
hogs, cattle, sheep, and horses over the Alleghany mountains, and there
sell for money — York money as they called it. Every homestead was a
log-cabin. No brick houses then ; no frame-houses except in the towns.
What did they encounter! the deadening of the trees, their gradual fall-
ing, the logging and burning, the clearing, the rude plowing amidst the
stumps and roots — what exciting, toilsome times ! Custom made the
solitude and independence of their life happiness."

In a brilliant oration, on the occasion of the celebration of the first settle-
ment in Ohio, the Hon. John W. Daniel said : " The founders did not
come as the Spaniards went to the Mississippi, in search of gold. They
taught a lesson of history in the character of their laws. They taught a
lesson of courage in the very nature of their bold adventure. They taught
a lesson of prudence in the sedate and organic way in which they went
about their business. They came here as home-seekers and home-builders.
They came bringing their household gods, their wives and their children.
The mustard seed which fell here in this beautiful soil a hundred years
ago has now expanded into a great tree, whose branches spread over the
continent, and the birds of the air from all nations of the earth do lodge
therein."

e*z&%?

THE BLUE AND BEAUTIFUL NARRAGANSETT

ITS HISTORIC ASSOCIATIONS

Narragansett bay is without doubt the most remarkable of the pictur-
esque features with which the proud little state of Rhode Island abounds.
With numerous arteries, it extends for twenty-eight miles through the
very heart of the state ; having on the east one-fifth of its entire area,
and four-fifths on the left — a goodly heritage of land and water, the
dwelling-places of a population of nearly three hundred thousand souls.
Within the bay a dozen islands, great and small, are of easy access ; and
the shores on cither side, dotted with hamlets and villages, are guarded
night and day by slumbering forts and watchful lighthouses.

During the summer season every form of marine life and architecture
is here visible, from the formidable man-of-war to the puffing tug-boat,
from the leviathan Pilgrim down to the steam-launch. Every yacht club
on the Atlantic makes its rendezvous here, and the flags and pennants of
foreign lands find a welcome haven on these lovely waters.

The historic associations connected with Narragansett bay are not less
remarkable than its natural beauties. In 1764 a boat's crew from the
English schooner St. John, in attempting at Newport to carry off a de-
serter, was forcibly resisted. This was the first overt act of rebellious
opposition to British supremacy in the colonies, the first blow struck for
American independence — a verification of the old proverb, that " Rhode
Islanders loved to fight, if they could fight on the sea."

When in 1875 Admiral Wellesley of the British navy anchored in
Newport harbor in command of the BelleropJwn, he remarked that this
famous arm of the ocean — "The Blue and Beautiful Narragansett " — was
one of the finest sheets of water he had ever beheld. From the quarter-
deck, with its surroundings, it realized to him a scene of tranquil beauty.
When, however, the gallant admiral called to mind that on these waters the
English once reigned supreme, he had not forgotten that it was from this
very port Burgoyne, in 1778, sailed for England after his defeat at Saratoga.

As points of observation, Halidon hill and the surrounding heights are
very favorable, the sweep of vision, including glimpses of the Atlantic, being
practically unlimited. Here at our feet a spacious and stately home is
now in course of erection ; the foundations being laid on the identical site
of " Fort Chastellux," constructed in the memorable year of 1780, the

THE BLUE AND BEAUTIFUL NARRAGANSETT II3

name of the noble marquis who labored in the work having been gracefully
assigned to the abutting avenue on the west.

At the base of the hill are the " Lime Rocks," associated with deeds of
heroism that, within recent years, were graciously recognized by personal
visits from the President and Vice-President. Not far distant are the dimin-
utive landmarks well known to mariners as the Spindle and the Dolphin.

Here in Brenton's cove, which forms the eastern boundary of Fort
Adams, was finally dismantled and left to decay the famous ship Endeav-
our, in which Captain Cook, accompanied by Sir Joseph Banks and Dr.
Solander, circumnavigated the globe. On the communicating heights, a
modern Croesus, with ideas borrowed from the antique, has now in course
of construction a succession of domestic temples, hewn from the solid
rock, to which, for want of a better, the designation of the " Newport
Acropolis" has been popularly assigned.

The erection of Fort Adams, on a reservation of a hundred and sixty-
five acres, was not commenced until 1824. It is capable of mounting four
hundred and sixty-eight guns, with a fire-proof barrack for three thousand
men. Located on the northerly limit of a point of land which helps to
form the harbor of Newport, it is also the limit of a grant from King
Charles the First to William Brenton, that will be forever known as Bren-
ton's Neck. On the parade the air is generally very cool, and the views
from the parapet superb. On Redoubt hill are the quarters of the com-
manding officer. Always in sight is Conanicut island, incorporated in
1678. Jamestown, the original settlement, has become a thriving summer
resort. Not far distant, on a government reservation of seven acres, is that
picturesque ruin known as Fort Dumplings, perched on a projecting and
almost insular rock. Previous to the war this elliptical stone structure
was used as a target for artillery practice by the erratic John Magruder.

On the southern point of Conanicut stands Beaver Tail lighthouse,
commanding a broad view of the Atlantic ocean, with Block island thirty
miles distant and Narragansett pier in sight. Originally erected in 1749,
it is said to be the first lighthouse ever built on the American coast. De-
stroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1754, it was burned down by the Hessians
during their ignoble retreat from Rhode Island. Beaver Tail tower was
successfully lighted with gas in 1817. Rose island, on a tract of twenty-
three acres, being so long and so low, appears to float upon the bay.
This little isle owes its attractive name to a British man-of-war wrecked
upon its shore. Neither Fort Hamilton, located here near the lighthouse,
nor the tower at the Dumplings has ever been completed or garrisoned.
In the centre of the harbor reposes the graceful form of Goat island, the

Vol. XXIV.— No. 2.-8

114 THE BLUE AND BEAUTIFUL NARRAGANSETT

site of the earliest colonial fort. From this little isle was fired, in 1790,
the first salute announcing that Rhode Island had at length joined in
the confederation of states. It is now utilized by the war department.

As seen by night the harbor acquires manifold attractions, when the
floating palaces of the Old Colony line are illuminated from stem to stern.
On gala occasions the beautiful art of the pyrotechnist and the wondrous
aid of electricity have here an unrivalled field for their operations and dis-
play. " Dear Old Newport " is seen gently sloping toward the bay, still
containing many buildings of colonial foundation, which housed the British
as enemies, and sheltered the French as allies. Originally laid out into
two or three parallel streets, Thames street, the principal thoroughfare, still
retains a name that not even a revolution has been able to efface.

Very prominent and very beautiful is that graceful landmark, the spire
of Trinity church, being of the same architecture with which Sir Christo-
pher Wren adorned- the city of London after the great fire. Long wharf,
now neglected, was once a stirring place of business, on which were the
dwellings, factories, and stores of worthy citizens. The shore-end was called
" Queenhithe " in grateful memory of Queen Anne, who in 1709 sent across
the Atlantic a fine-toned bell for the church, that did duty almost a century.

A once fashionable and ever delightful quarter of the city lies north of
Long wharf, inscribed on the map as Washington street, but familiarly
known as " The Point." In days gone by it was considered the court end
of the town. When Newport could boast of an extended foreign commerce,
her merchants lived and prospered there. At the end of the street the
remains of Fort Greene may be seen, resting on strata known as the Blue
Rocks. The rising land on the north, called Tammany hill, was formerly
the camping grounds of the Narragansett Indians, the owners of the soil.
Gould island, in the central passage up the bay, is quite remarkable for its
bold and fort-like appearance.

Coasters' Harbor island, in the northern confines of the city, was the
first landing-place of the original settlers in 1639. For two centuries it
was a refuge for the poor. However, the city of Newport has recently
conveyed to the federal authorities the entire island with its appurtenances,
who have converted the asylum for the poor into a national war college ;
a naval training school has been erected on the shore, and two venerable
old frigates keep watch and ward over all.

c^uovMtJ t^yptcjrf/it*''

THE TRUE STORY OF AN APPOINTMENT

During a recent visit to Washington, my business brought me into
contact with a representative of that class which has arisen upon the
ruins of the semi-patrician society which once, in marked contrast to its
present influence, dominated the affairs and engrossed the offices of the
nation. Keen and far-sighted by nature, he had divined the true issues
of the civil war, and alone of his family, and at the sacrifice for the time
of all social ties, enlisted in one of the few regiments which the South
contributed to the Northern cause — while the half-score of wounds re-
ceived bore unequivocal witness to his gallantry in battle.

A sincere and aggressive partisan, he was an unfailing power in the
political machinery of his state, and secured and was able to retain during
the ensuing administration an office of more than ordinary importance.
Success, however, did not in his case choke the springs of human interest
and kindly charity which incline one to lend a sympathetic ear to those
whose affairs glide less auspiciously. Beneath the harsh lines of the poli-
tician, his face displayed the excellent qualities of the Southern gentleman.

Having concluded the business which led to our meeting, the conversa-
tion glided into genial channels, and at length involved me in an extended
comment upon the curious phases of life which present themselves with
every change of administration. I mentioned the apparently overwhelm-
ing tide of office-seekers that, at stated intervals, with significant regu-
larity, sweeps down upon the seat of government, and I chanced to
remark that as offices are necessarily restricted in number, many who
come thither hoping for office must return with blighted expectations.

" Ah ! " sighed the major, " you have chanced upon a theme which I
studiously avoid ; but as my thoughts are now turned in that direction, I
will, if you can afford the time, relate an episode in which I bore a partic-
ular part." In reply, I assured him that my time was at his disposal.

He went on to say: " James Romeyn, of Tuscaloosa, in Alabama,
was among the very diminutive number of the citizens of my native
state who declined either to fight for or to countenance a cause which
was based upon the doctrine of states' rights, and the enslavement of the
negro. At first he held aloof from every expression which, in the slightest
degree, could be construed into a preference for either party, but there
came a time when the pressure had grown to be unendurable, and a sense
of manhood required him to define his position.

Il6 THE TRUE STORY OF AN APPOINTMENT

Realizing the situation, he threw aside the veil which had hitherto con-
cealed his real feelings, and embraced with enthusiasm the Northern cause.
The chagrin and resentment of his neighbors and life-long associates
cannot readily be expressed, while the hardship of his position can only
be understood by one who has himself undergone a similar experience.
Escaping with difficulty from the measures which were taken for his arrest,,
he at length reached the place of rendezvous of my regiment, in which he
served with distinction until the close of the war.

Then, naturally distrusting the opportunities for peaceful enjoyment
which his former home would afford, it chanced that, like so many
veterans from both armies, he wandered into the wilds of the far west,
where, after years of hardship and self-denial, he found himself, in the
year 1870, possessed of a moderate fortune ; but the exposures and the
vicissitudes of a migratory existence had at last impaired even his iron-
like constitution, and rendered a period of rest and recuperation a matter
of necessity. It was then that the associations and attractions of his early
home crowded upon his mind with resistless force, and, with the impet-
uosity of a Southern nature, he could scarcely await the time when the
speed of even the swiftest conveyance would transport him to the scenes
which memory had always held enshrined in his inmost feelings. Nor
had he been entirely forgotten. The object of his early adoration he
found still appreciative of his worth, and within a year from his return he
had adorned his newly acquired plantation with a wife, in whose society
he willingly forgot the privations and dangers of the intervening years,
A family grew up about him, to add to the happiness which Providence
seemed only to have withheld that it might become enhanced to a tran-
scendent value, while a prudent abstinence from those expressions of party
views which might tend to inflame the minds of his neighbors assured him
the regard of the community of which he had become a not uninfluential
member. This happy state continued through nearly a score of years,
in which life moved on in the serene and eventless course which we only
recognize to be the highest bliss, when sorne fortuitous occurrence breaks
the spell. Such at length became the fate of James Romeyn.

A year of disastrous floods, followed by successive seasons of blighted
or partial crops, impaired his resources and obliged him, in order to meet
the requirements of his family, to mortgage his . land at a time when
prudence might rather have counseled him to exercise a severer degree
of retrenchment. The vexations and exigencies of debt impaired his
temper and discretion, and led him, during the heat of election, to ex-
press sentiments at variance with those of his fellow-planters, and in

THE TRUE STORY OF AN APPOINTMENT 11/

sympathy with the party whose interests were in contravention to their
own.

Fortune seemed now to have determined to inflict upon him an era of
disaster commensurate with the period of his prosperity. His crops were
sold before they had been sown ; his fences and his cattle began to display
the embarrassed state of the exchequer of their owner; his friends grew
estranged and withdrew their countenance and generous aid ; while, most
imbittering of all, he was obliged to see his children deprived of the edu-
cational opportunities which the customs of society require. Exasperated
and defeated upon every side, he seized upon one hope — so flattering to
our sense of merit, and yet, in reality, so slightly grounded upon fact —
that of obtaining a public office.

Some months since, in consequence of this resolve, it was my fortune
to meet this old friend and companion in arms, and to hear from him of
the occurrences which had marked the flight of years since we were
mustered out of the service. When social greetings and inquiries with re-
gard to mutual friends had drawn to a close, he told me of the vicissitudes
of fortune and the changes which had recently been his lot, and of his
consequent resolve ; and while perfectly convinced of immediate success,
he yet desired from me some slight service in high quarters — where it
may be surmised I aided him to the extent of my ability. Our inter-
views were subsequently of frequent occurrence ; but, though his faith
and self-confidence seemed unabated, I began to grow concerned as I
found that, in my judgment, he was in no way nearer the accomplish-
ment of his purpose than when he arrived at the capital ; while I knew
that he must be under a heavy strain both in purse and patience.

One day, as I was engrossed in matters of great importance, I received
from my friend a note asking that I would at my earliest convenience
call upon him at his lodgings, in one of the most retired of our more
modest hotels. As quickly as I could dispatch the business of the
moment, I hurried away to comply with his request. I found my old
companion seated at his desk, his face buried in his hands, nor did he
at the first seem aware of my presence ; it was only when I laid my
hand upon his shoulder, and gently inquired the cause of his dejection,
that he looked up and for a moment endeavored to turn upon me one
of those bright smiles which in happier days had been the constant
occupants of his features. But the effort was only momentary ; at the
next he had burst into tears, and was sobbing convulsively in the full
tide of manly grief.

I did not attempt to interrupt the course of his sorrow, but quietly

Il8 THE TRUE STORY OF AN APPOINTMENT

awaited the abating of its first snock ; then placing my arm within his
I besought him to arise, and persuading him to remove from his face all
traces of recent tears, and having provided him with his hat and cane,
announced that we would go out into the parks, and stroll about among
the winding paths of those verdant oases. Skillfully, and unconsciously to
him, I turned the conversation upon the variety of the foliage then break-
ing forth to view, upon the emerald-like freshness of the grass of spring-
time, and noted the sonnets and joyous flutterings about of the inhab-
itants of the leafy bowers, whose very presence seemed a continuous pro-
test against such melancholy moods. Just at that moment, a bird which
seldom visits our less sultry shores — the ' red bird ' of the South — came
flitting by, and its presence seeming to recall the thought which had so
greatly afflicted him, he again gave himself up to the convulsions of grief.

I seated myself beside him upon a secluded bench and awaited the
passing away of this fresh outburst of human passion. It continued a
shorter time and was less violent than before, and when we had again
proceeded on our way I saw that he was the master of his emotions.
Insensibly, I so arranged our path that we emerged upon one of the
most crowded thoroughfares, where we soon met mutual friends, in whose
conversation and passing remarks I was glad to see that my companion
forgot for the moment his troubles. I suggested that we should return
to his hotel, where, though my business pressed, I could listen to an out-
line of the situation which had caused him such distress.

We ascended the stairs in silence, and when we had entered his room,
having bolted the door, and placed my chair opposite his, I awaited
patiently what he should disclose. For a moment he seemed lost in con-
templation ; then, raising his head with a sob, and with difficulty restrain-
ing his emotions, he told of his hopes and ceaseless exertions in pursuit of
an office ; of the delays, excuses, and broken obligations which had been
the only result of his efforts ; of the crushing news that his family were
upon the borders of actual want, while he, incumbered by debts, was
entirely bereft of means to relieve their or his own necessities.

'Would you demand an office of large salary or scope?' I inquired.
' God knows,' he replied, ' that I will be forever content, if I shall attain
to a competence.' ' Come to me at my office at this hour to-morrow,' I
replied ; 'but bear in mind that I do not promise positively to secure you
the object of your wishes, though I believe that I shall succeed.' Scarcely
could I break from his professions of gratitude and appreciation to hasten
to my office, where I was closely confined throughout the remainder of
the day and far into the night.

THE TRUE STORY OF AN APPOINTMENT 1 19

The following morning, after a hasty visit to my office, and a glance
through my mail, I hurried away to the rooms of the superintendent of
printing. Sending in my card, I requested a private interview, which was
not refused. After an exchange of such greetings as pass only between
old and tried friends, I remarked that, having heard of an intended
increase in the clerical force of his department, I had come to inquire as
to the truth of the rumor, and as to whether incumbents had yet been
secured for all these positions. ' We shall require an addition to our
staff,' he replied, ' but the number will not together form an increase of
more than twelve, and, besides, with the exception of one place, or pos-
sibly of two, the men are already appointed, while, of the remaining vacan-
cies, I may say that they are practically filled.'

For a moment my application appeared hopeless ; but the thought of
the grief which a refusal would bring upon the friend I was soon to
face, caused me to cling with desperate tenacity to even the slenderest
chance, and in his cause, for the first, and perhaps for the last, occasion of
my life, I grew convincingly eloquent. I argued and I pleaded ; I urged
the value and extent of my friendly services in the past, and the benefits
I could yet confer upon him in the future, and I even made the bestowal of
this place a test of his appreciation ; while, to crown my appeal, I related
the story of my friend, and placed the matter before him in the light of
a necessity. He had been a soldier, and was a man whose heart had not
grown callous through long continuance in office ; thus I prevailed.

Punctually at the hour, my friend entered my office. Reaching the
centre of the room, he remained silent, too fearful to look up, and unwill-
ing to hear of his fate ; then our eyes met, and, reading there of my suc-
cess, with a cry he grasped my hand, and stood speechless with joy.

James Romeyn now resides with his family in a cottage two miles
from town, and though his duties are far from light, and his salary does
not exceed two thousand five hundred dollars per year, he cannot be per-
suaded that I am not his greatest benefactor, nor am I a whit more suc-
cessful notwithstanding long and cogent arguings in convincing him
that I do not deserve to be the object of his unceasing gratitude."

The story was ended, and bidding the major adieu, I took my depart-
ure. To-day, when I hear or read of the advent of a fresh adventurer into
the world of office-seeking, I am inclined to shake my head, and, sotto voce,
to wish that the result in each instance may be as happy as in the case
of James Romeyn.

— — *£

'/2sT?r^

MAJOR-GENERAL EBENEZER STEVENS

THE SUBJECT OF OUR FRONTISPIECE

In the first volume of this Magazine, issued in the year 1877, and long
since out of print, appeared an interesting sketch of Major-General
Ebenezer Stevens, whose excellent portrait is given to our readers as the
frontispiece of this current number, through the courtesy of the Society of
the Cincinnati, who have recently engraved the picture. General Stevens
will be remembered as the commander of the state forces who, with
Morgan Lewis, mustered for active service against the British the militia
of the city, in September, 1814.

In the sketch of General Stevens above-mentioned the following para-
graph occurs: " The person of General Stevens has been admirably por-
trayed by Trumbull in the large painting of the surrender of Burgoyne, at
the capitol in Washington. The life-size figure is drawn in a graceful
attitude, leaning upon a cannon on the extreme left of the scene. He is
again introduced in the picture by the same artist representing the sur-
render of Cornwallis. He is here seen in the distance at the head of the
artillery, of which he was the field officer on the day of surrender."

General Stevens was twenty-two years of age when the Dartmouth, the
first of the fleet of tea ships intended for the colonies, arrived in Boston
harbor, anchoring off the Castle, on the 28th of November, 1773, and he be-
longed to the famous company of artillerymen who were employed to guard
the tea and prevent its landing. He was also one of the participants in the
exciting affair when the tea was destroyed, which he describes as follows:
" I went from the old South Meeting House just after dark ; the party
was about seventy or eighty. At the head of the wharf (Griffin's wharf)
we met the detachment of our company on guard, who joined us. I com-
menced with a party on board the vessel of which Hodgdon was mate,
and as he knew me, I left that vessel with some of my comrades and
went on board the other vessel, which lay at the opposite side of the
wharf ; numbers of others took our place on Hodgdon's vessel. We com-
menced handing the boxes of tea on deck, and first commenced breaking
them with axes, but found much difficulty, owing to the boxes of tea
being covered with canvas — the mode that this article was then imported
in. I think that all the tea was discharged in about two hours. We

MAJOR-GENERAL EBENEZER STEVENS 121

were careful to prevent any being taken away ; none of the party were
painted as Indians, nor, that I know of, disguised, excepting that some of
them stopped at a paint shop on their way and daubed their faces with
paint."

From all the testimony it would seem as if the idea of a disguise on
this occasion was an afterthought, and only with a few, and the work of
a moment comparatively. The Hodgdon mentioned was afterwards treas-
urer of the State of Massachusetts, at the time young Stevens was court-
ing his sister.

During the continuance of the war Stevens proved himself a most
efficient and gallant officer, and was present when the army disbanded.
He entered New York with his command on the 25th of November, the
day of the evacuation by the British. Here he established himself in
business, becoming one of the largest and most successful merchants of
the period. He was active and prominent in civil affairs, and a military
counselor at all times. He acted as agent of the War Department, and
at different dates as agent for the French and English governments. He
was conspicuous in the founding of the Tammany Society or Columbian
Order, in 1789, and one of the founders of the New England Society,
organized in 1805, of which he was the president from 1817 until his death
in '1823.

Among the valuable documents in possession of his descendant,
Mr. Byram K. Stevens, are several of the broadsides containing " Division
Orders " while he was in command of the New York militia. The follow
ing is an interesting example :

" New York, 14th November, 1807.

In obedience to general orders of the nth July last, Major-General
Stevens directs that the detachment of seven hundred and thirty men,
including officers, ordered from the division of artillery of this state, com-
posed of the following companies, duly enrolled, and volunteering their
services to their country, be organized into one regiment, to be under the
command of Lieutenant-Colonel Peter Curtenius — the said regiment to
consist of two battalions, the first composed of the companies commanded
by Captains Ross, Millikin, Minthorn, Vandenburgh, and Slee, in the reg-
iment commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Clinton, and also of the compa-
nies commanded by Captains Young, Osborn, Brown, Brainard, Whitney,
Cooley, Hawley, Day, Greer, and Whitaker, in the regiment commanded
by Lieutenant-Colonel Thorne, to be commanded by Major Robert Jen-
kins, as first major of said regiment ; and the second composed of the
companies commanded by Captains Hewitt, Harsin, Fleming, Morgan,

122 MAJOR-GENERAL EBENEZER STEVENS

Forbes, Townsend, Ferris, Lyon, and Boerum, of the third regiment,
and also the company commanded by Captain Home of the first reg-
iment, in General Morton's brigade, to be commanded by Major Charles
Snowden.

Lieutenant-Colonel Curtenius will select and organize the staff.

By command of Major-General Stevens."

We are permitted also to copy the following letter, addressed by the
governor of the state, Daniel D. Tompkins, to Major-General Stevens :

" Albany, March 4, 1815.

Sir : — I have the honor to inform you that your resignation of the
office of Major-General of the artillery of this state has been accepted,
and that General Jacob Morton has this day been appointed in your stead.
As it will be proper for you to announce this to the artillery of the state
in a valedictory order I transmit the inclosed to be incorporated in your
division order.

As I have experienced great satisfaction in your command of the
division and received repeated marks of your confidence and support, I
pray you to accept my acknowledgments therefor and an assurance of my
ardent wishes for your future prosperity and happiness.

Daniel D. Tompkins."

General Stevens was for many years the acknowledged representative
of the officers and soldiers who survived the war, and was constantly
called upon by them to seek redress or relief from Congress, and on all
public occasions he was one of the principal military figures.

He was born in Boston, August II, 175 1, and died in New York, Sep-
tember 22, 1823, at the age of seventy-two.

PLEASURE PARTIES IN THE NORTHWEST

INCIDENTS OF FORTY YEARS AGO

About the year 1849 tne Rev- E. H. Day was sent as a missionary, by
the Michigan Conference, to the region of the famous Cliff mine near the
shore of Lake Superior. His varied experiences have recently been re-
cited in an address before the Michigan Pioneer and Historical Society,
from which the following extracts are alive with interest : " The Cliff
mine had just been opened, and developed vast masses of pure copper,
with bits of native silver, sometimes weighing an ounce or more. Men
went wild, and I really think expected to find masses of silver that would
weigh hundreds of tons. My first business, on my arrival, was to secure a
place for my family. I obtained a room up-stairs in a cooper shop, roughly
boarded up, with loose boards laid down for a floor, above where four or
five coopers were at work. Our ' church ' was an old blacksmith shop
about fourteen feet square. The only road in the country was from the
Cliff mine to the lake, a distance of five miles. But there were trails cut
through the woods from one location to another, on which a horse or a
single ox could pass in the winter. No one would dare to travel from one
place to another in winter without his snow-shoes with him. There were
probably about four hundred inhabitants in the country who remained
during the winter season.

The community was a restless one, and during the summer months was
much larger and constantly changing ; but in winter, which lasted full
seven months, that is, from closing of navigation in the fall to the opening
of navigation in the spring, the people were compelled to keep compara-
tively quiet, as there was no possible way to leave the country except on
snow-shoes, through an unbroken wilderness of one hundred miles. Few
were hardy enough to attempt it, but some did. The mail was brought
once a month by an Indian and ' a dog train.' Two men always went
with these trains, for if, as it frequently happened, a heavy fall of snow
came while on the journey, a road must be broken for the dogs. All
things being ready and the dogs in harness, the driver, with a long whip
in his hand, took his place behind the train. In his left hand he held a
strong cord which was fastened to the hind end of the train. At the
word of command each dog would start on a trot, and the Indian behind

124 PLEASURE PARTIES IN THE NORTHWEST

with the cord in his hand would follow after. The cord was to hold the
train back in going down hill. If the train upset, as it did a dozen times
a day, nothing was spilled nor anything broken. It was like rolling over
a log. The dogs would stop, the Indian take hold and roll it back, and
then ' de-dah ' (go on) would ring out, and off would trot the dogs.

Dog trains were frequently used for pleasure parties of ladies and gen-
tlemen. These were made a little different from the freight trains. The
bottoms were the same, but instead of the canvas a shoe was fixed on the
train, made of some light stuff but strong. A blanket was spread in the
bottom of the shoe, and a cushion at the heel. Into this shoe, thus fixed,
a lady would place herself, warmly clad, the heel of the shoe supporting
her back. Thus fixed, blankets would be placed around her, and she was
wrapped and swathed up until only a small portion of her face would be
visible. Thus fixed up, ' her man ' would take his place behind the train,
and the dogs would start.

Sometimes four or five trains would start off together to visit a mine
fifteen or eighteen miles distant. Such parties had usually two ladies to
one train, the second lady taking a light pair of snow-shoes. Each lady
had her cavalier, but the company had to go in single file, as the foot-
path was only wide enough for one to occupy at a time.

Now imagine the party all ready to start. The dogs are growling and
snarling, the men and women laughing and talking. The word is given.
The dogs give a bark and a jump, the train moves, the women give a little
scream, and we are fairly started. Now let us take a look at the proces-
sion. First come the dogs, pulling and snarling, followed by the train,
with only the face of the rider visible ; back of this walks a man with a cord
in his hand that is fastened to the train, by^which he is to keep vehicle
and lady from being precipitated upon the dogs as they descend the first
hill. Next another lady followed by a gentleman, all wearing snow-shoes ;
then another set of dogs followed by another train and its occupant, and
so on until you have the whole party on the way. The old woods ring
with shouts and laughter. Suddenly the caravan stops, and the inquiry
runs along the line : ' What's the matter ? ' ' Oh, nothing,' comes back the
answer, ' only one of the trains has tipped over.' Then the men run
along to the upset train, and lift it out of the deep snow with shouts of
laughter, and place it on the trail upright and brush off the snow, the
inmate of the train being as helpless as a log of wood, and as safe. The
dogs seem to be the only ones who do not enjoy the fun. They sit quietly
on their haunches until the word is given to go, and then the whole
caravan moves on as before until another upset.

PLEASURE PARTIES IN THE NORTHWEST 125

When three or four miles have been gone over, a halt is called, and the
ladies change places, to be in their turn upset and laughed at. A journey
of fifteen or twenty miles can thus be accomplished in a day. The ' boss '
of the mine (whither they are bound) has had notice of their coming and
is usually prepared for them. A good supper and an appetite sharpened
by the all-day ride make everything seem comfortable, and mirth and
gladness rule the hour. Song and story fill the evening until the ' wee
sma' hours,' and then, in beds made of a few blankets spread upon the
floor, with a blanket partition between the men and women, they seek
rest. The next day would usually be spent in looking at the mines and
the curiosities of the place, and the third day the party would take the
back trail for home. The home trip, though a little less hilarious than the
trip out, was generally full of fun.

A modern belle would hardly enjoy such a journey, but I never heard
one of these ladies complain after such a trip of weariness or headache.
Yet some of as fine ladies as there were in Pittsburg or Cleveland were
found in such parties. It was the only change in the dull monotony of the
long winter ; and to those ladies the winter did not seem so long and dull.
Husbands, fathers, and brothers were there, and a thousand beauties that
the South could not afford. Health good, appetite good ; what if food was
coarse ? I doubt whether rich viands would be more heartily enjoyed.

One who has never seen a dog in harness would be surprised at the
load they will draw. A large Newfoundland dog, owned by the foreman
at the ' Forest mine,' drew, on a wager, a barrel of pork in the barrel
twelve miles, up the Ontonagon river, on the ice. The ice was level, but
covered with snow. The dog did it with apparent ease. It was said, and
I believe it true, though I did not see it, that the commandant of the fort
at Sault Ste. Marie had a dog that drew a twelve-pound brass cannon
around the parade-ground at the fort. The gun, I think, weighed four-
teen hundred pounds. The parade-ground was smooth. The cannon was
fastened to the train, and the dog was started. Two or three times in
going around the ground the train was stopped, and the dog without diffi-
culty started it again."

THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY

LANGUAGE, CUSTOMS, MODE OF LIFE, FOOD, DRESS

While the forces of change and progress are rapidly obliterating the
ways of our ancestors, and civilization with giant footsteps is trampling
out of sight even the ancient landmarks, the French-Canadian peasant
still preserves the same old customs and habits which his progenitors
from Brittany and Normandy transplanted to Canadian soil. The traveler
through the province of Quebec may, amid many of its surviving cherished
memorials, easily fancy himself among the romantic scenes and striking
events of French colonial life of more than a century ago. Not only are
the old fortifications which protected the city of Champlain from the
assaults of Wolfe, Levy, Montgomery, and Arnold still extant to chal-
lenge the admiration of the sight-seer, but the children of their defenders,
the same race with the same characteristics, mental and physical, and
speaking the same language, may be seen walking the streets of the old
rock-built city.

Intelligent observers familiar with the provinces of France, whence the
ancestors of this people came, have frequently noted and commented
upon the fact. The descendants of the Bretons, for instance, can easily
be distinguished by their features, loyal disposition, and strength of will
even to obstinacy. Their marked bodily vigor and fervent piety are other
traits. The Normans are equally conspicuous for somewhat different
physical and mental qualities. They are shrewder in business, gayer, and
of more sociable disposition. They also are loyal and pious, but less
excitable than their fellow countrymen of Breton extraction.

The French-Canadian peasant, habitant, is generally of small or medium
size, of compact well-knit frame ; his powers of endurance against fatigue
and cold are simply astonishing. He is usually of dark complexion, with
sparkling brown eyes. His quiet, thoughtful face, often dull, wears a con-
tented expression, but he brightens quickly in merry response to a joke or
a lively remark, chatting easily and with animation. If at all educated or a
politician, he puts his powers to effective use and makes for his side or
party a strong case. His head, in size and contents, is a good one. Along
the north shore of the St. Lawrence one meets with varied types, for the
original settlers intermarried with Indians, English, and Irish, with such
physical results as might be expected. Thus you will often see peasants

THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY \2J

with features and complexion corresponding to those of the foreign strain,
of Saxon fairness, or freckled, with massive red beard, answering to Eng-
lish, Scotch, and Irish names, and yet unable to speak a word of English.
Some of the farmers boast of descent from families of the old nobility
of France, who, without means to leave Canada after the cession, were
forced to settle down on farms among their former servants and depend-
ents. Those nobly descended are easily distinguished by their courtly
bearing and dignity of manners, apart from their aristocratic names.

The women {creatures as the men call them), while not generally pretty,
are mostly pleasant-faced brunettes, whose dark hair and dark brown eyes
form a considerable part of a beauty's endowment. They are usually
strong, quiet in movement, inclining to be stout as they advance in years.
Many of them attract by their agreeable, kindly expression, though of
course some of them are impulsive enough. They are simple-minded, vir-
tuous, and pious, with frankness of manner. They lead a primitive life,
with sturdy labors through the day and early evening. When not engaged
in the common home-duties of caring for the children, cooking, or attend-
ing to the cattle, or helping the men in the fields during harvest-time,
they sew, spin, weave, and knit. Many of them clothe the whole family
by their industry, requiring but little from the stores and cities. In their
habits, cleanliness rules conspicuously, the fact impressing any stranger
who may visit their houses. They are orderly as well. They crave but
little mental stimulus ; they read almost nothing but their Prayer-Books,
which explains their similarity of ideas, as well as of sympathies, social, re-
ligious, and national. But the dwellers near the cities show a difference in
those habits and feelings of late years, the interchange of opinion being
here wider, more varied, and modern, strangers and travelers touching
their long dormant thought with notable influence.

It has been stated somewhere, that " One of the best means of know-
ing the character of a people is a knowledge of their language." With
this truism in mind I desire to correct certain erroneous impressions which
exist concerning the language of the French Canadians. Among the
British portion of the population in Canada and the people of the United
States, the belief is wide-spread that they speak a mongrel dialect — a
patois. It is true that the uneducated speak ungrammatically and inele-
gantly, use old words belonging to the dialects of Normandy, Picardy,
and Brittany, and often employ words in their old relation instead of the
new ; but this does not constitute a patois, such as we hear in many of
the provinces of France, where people of one district cannot understand
the language of those living in an adjoining one.

128 THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY

The following is a specimen of patois, submitted with the view of
emphasizing this fact : The Breton peasant exclaims : Koi cht done d'ol
bete vient abimi mes lentils? which, rendered in English, means: "What
is this beast which comes to destroy my lentils ? " Anyone familiar with
the French language will see the vast difference between the two cases.

A Parisian would have no more difficulty in understanding a French-
Canadian habitant, than an educated American the peculiarities of expres-
sion of the illiterate of cities or country districts in the United States, who
say: "I don't s'pose there ain't nobody seen nothing o' no old felt hat
nowhere," or " I feel powerful weak," etc. The Frenchman may, how-
ever, be more mystified if he listen to the speech of the working classes of
the cities, who use English words pertaining to matters technical and con-
nected with trade. He would find it difficult to know what they meant by
J' at unejob (puvrage) — " I have a job." Ok est le Boss ? (inaitre) — " Where is
the master ? " Jem en vais a la shop {inagasiri) — " I am going to the shop."
The exigencies of life in a new world have also, as in the United
States, caused the people to coin words which are not found in Le Diction-
naire de f Acade'mie Francaise, The following are a few samples : poudrerias,
balture, bordee de neige, etc.

The peasant speaks without English admixture, but he will say, 7/
mouille (" It wets "), when he should say, Ilpleut (" It rains "); and he will
speak of his butin (" plunder "), when he means effets (" goods "). These are
instances of misuse of words. A few more: if he wish to describe a child
who wears out his clothes quickly, he will say, Cest un vrai petit usurier (" He
is a real little usurer ") ; and he will also say, II me tanne, instead of II mint-
patiente ("He wearies me "). Instances of corruption of words are numerous.
One frequently hears, Ah ! que e'est d'valeur, when a great misfortune is im-
plied, and he should say, Ah ! quel malheur ("Ah ! what a calamity "). Many
nautical terms are applied to land matters: Embarquez a cheiial (" embark
on a horse"), instead of montez a cheval ("mount a horse"); Ben gre'e
(" well rigged ") for Bien four nit (" well supplied "); amarru, in lieu of
attaches; cordeaux, in place of guides, etc.

The professional and educated classes speak good French, but they
have not the same aptitude for ornate phraseology, nor can they turn a
compliment as neatly, as their compatriots on the other side of the Atlan-
tic. They are not as fluent speakers either. It may be well here to
remind some of my readers that most Parisians do not speak pure French,
but a corrupt French, bristling with a constantly varying slang {argot),
which the cultured class, the academicians especially, regret exceedingly.
The intonation and accent of the French Canadian are often provincial,

THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY 1 29

recalling the old Normal, Provengal, and Breton. They also frequently
use Anglicisms ; but, in spite of the latter drawback, they have written
well enough to carry off prizes from the natives of the mother country, in
competition with some of their best writers. Both Louis Honore" Fre-
chette, the national poet, and L'Abbe R. H. Casgrain, have had that dis-
tinction. The English in Canada will seldom speak French, fearing to
make blunders, while the French Canadian does not hesitate to use the
Anglo-Saxon language, even if he speak it imperfectly.

Philip Gilbert Hamerton, in The Intellectual Life, states: " When
a foreign language has been acquired (there are instances of this) in quite
absolute perfection, there is almost always some loss in the native tongue.
Either the native tongue is not spoken correctly, or it is not spoken with
perfect ease. . . . Rare indeed are the men and women who know
both languages — French and English — thoroughly." There are many
French Canadians who speak their mother tongue fluently, and with abso-
lute accuracy as to grammar and choice of expression, and yet have a fair
command of the English language. Some of their political leaders, nota-
bly Hon. Wilfrid Laurier, speak alternately in French and English in
the house of commons at Ottawa, and it would take a well-trained ear
to tell which is his mother tongue. But one does now and then see in the
French-Canadian press such Anglicisms as, Rencontrer scs paiements (u To
meet his payments") instead of Faire honneur a scs engagements, and Faire
une application au parlement (" To apply to parliament ") in lieu of Pre-
senter une petition, or une demande, etc. For many years past the " purists,"
or sticklers for unalloyed French, have been making determined efforts to
extirpate Anglicisms, stimulated by the active intervention of the Royal
Society of Canada, and the co-operation of the press and critics gener-
ally. The effect is already perceptible in the greater purity of language
and amendments of style of the writings of the literati and diction of
the public speakers.

The poorer habitants live in cabins resembling the ancestral domicile on
the other side of the Atlantic, the only changes being designed to meet
the conditions and necessities of the more rigorous Canadian climate.
They are built of logs and clay, high-roofed, covered with shingles or
thatched (en chaume). They are usually about twenty feet square, white-
washed and of neat appearance, one apartment on the ground floor, with
the attic generally used to store grain, etc., and lighted by one pane of
glass at each end. Quite close to the cabin may be seen a small baking
oven (four) with a pent-roof of boards, the stable and barn a little farther
off, and a modest vegetable garden in front or at one side. There is

Vol. XXIV.-No. 2.-9

130 THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY

ordinarily a porch, or tambour, with a double door for defense against the
heavy snowstorms and bitter winds, one window on each side, with two
more in the back part of the house.

On entering the visitor finds himself in a square room used as bed-
chamber, kitchen, and parlor. In the dormitory portion of the apart-
ment is a high wooden bedstead of simplest make, and another arranged
in tiers, bunk-fashion, for the accommodation of the large families for
which the race is noted. Some of the younger children sleep in cribs or
trundle-beds, kept in the daytime under the large parental bed and drawn
out at night near the cooking-stove, which is of the long, two-storied style,
standing in the centre of the room, surrounded by a pile of logs or small
firewood. In summer the children sleep in the attic, and at that season
the fire is kept on a large hearth at one end of the house.

In one corner, reaching from a few feet above the floor to a point near
the ceiling, are wooden shelves painted green or blue, and upon them are
massed some of the household treasures, such as pewter plates, mugs, delft
and earthen vessels. Hanging from one of the cross-beams is the old
flint-gun, known as le vieux fusil francais, with the powder-horn and
bullet-mold, which rendered good service in many a contest with the
Indians and English, as well as in innumerable hunting exploits. This
weapon is an heirloom prized and guarded with zealous care. They often
possess a more modern gun of the long-barreled sort, such as is used for
duck-shooting.

In another corner may be seen the snow-shoes (raquettes) with which
the habitant in winter travels over his fields, and the beef moccasins (bottes
sauvages) for summer use. A few plain three-legged stools, some wooden
chairs with wicker bottoms, one or two rocking-chairs {berceuses) of rustic
make, one heavy, spacious wooden trunk serving as both wardrobe and
seat of honor, a settle-bed, and of course the kneading trough, generally
sum up the furniture. Most households have a spinning-wheel and a
loom. The floor is sometimes covered with a rag carpet (catalogue), and
the walls are covered with old newspapers.

Above the bed is a wooden cross painted black, below which is the
sprig of blessed palm in a small bottle or vase (benitier) containing holy
water, and close by the religious calendar of the diocese. This twig of
palm plays an important part in the religious ceremonies of the house-
hold, around it clustering beliefs of impressive character. It is credited
with the power of exorcising the evil one and preventing a stroke of
lightning to the house. It is renewed each Palm Sunday, the old twig
being carefully burned. Some houses will have a miniature chapel with

THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY 131

altar, cheap vases, and plastic figures of saints. On feast days these are
illuminated with tiny candles, and before them the inmates will prostrate
themselves in prayer. In many households a fiddle and bow occupy a con-
spicuous place on the wall. Religious prints, highly colored pictures of
the Saviour, the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, and other saints, in touching
attitudes of suffering or devotion, adorn the walls. Those of the blessed
Mother of God or the Pope hold the place of honor in some districts,
while in others St. Vincent de Paul Or St. Jean Baptiste are the favorites.

I am reminded of a surprise I experienced one day in seeing the walls
of the house occupied by a young Protestant Briton covered with pictures
of the " noble army of martyrs." As discreetly as possible I expressed
astonishment at his partiality for such prints, when he explained that to
them he considered he owed his wife. Shortly after his arrival in Canada
he happened to visit a farm-house where he saw similar pictures, with
which he was unfamiliar. The daughter of his host, a pleasant, bright-
eyed girl, seeing his ignorance of martyrology, eagerly sought to persuade
him of the merits and distinctions of some of the saints, and their labors
and sacrifices. These recitals, together with the charms of the fair talker,
left deep impress upon his heart. From that moment he found himself
more interested in all pertaining to the saints, calling frequently for more
enlightenment, with the result that before he could become thoroughly
informed in saintly records, he was completely in love with the farmer's
daughter. He has since held all the saints of the calendar in high regard,
gratefully recognizing that to them he owed his charming wife, and secured
for him the sweetest companionship for life.

But to return to the abodes of the peasants. The houses near the
cities or of the well-to-do are larger, have more rooms and conveniences
than those just described, and are usually built of stone. Most of them
have the same high-pitched roof covered with shingles, and occasionally
one will be seen with the second story projecting beyond the first. The
ceilings are low, with supporting beams visible. These houses are better
furnished, but in other respects they resemble the poorer ; the general man-
ners and customs of the inmates of both being almost identical. There is
often a large baking-oven connected with the house itself, and a well at a
little distance from it. There are well-kept gardens and orchards in close
proximity, the sole care of the women, and from which they derive quite a
benefit by the sale of vegetables and fruits.

The owners of the better class of houses leave them in summer to be
occupied by strangers, living themselves in adjoining out-houses. They
make an honest penny not only in this way, but by selling provisions and

I32 THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY

waiting on their tenants or driving them about the country. Life in these
out-buildings wears a picnic aspect, jollity and social ease prevailing.

All houses occupied by the people are blessed by the cure shortly before
or after their completion. It is a ceremony many think indispensable to
avert misfortune and disease. Their religion teaches them that all in this
world comes from and will return to God, and that it is through his gracious
goodness we are enabled to enjoy all we possess. These facts command
their continual gratitude. They will thus stop at the sound of the Angelus
to say a short prayer three times a day, and cross themselves before be-
ginning or completing every act of their lives. Everything they own they
offer up to God, thanking him that they are permitted to enjoy these
blessings. As soon as the house or out-building has its walls raised, they
attach to the chimney or to one gable a few branches of palm (le bouquet,
they call it) and discharge some fire-arm by way of salute. For what
purpose they affix this bouquet is difficult to ascertain, except that it is a
custom of their ancestors, as they will tell you. But doubtless there lin-
gers in the mind some pleasant association, even with the unlettered, of
the branch that is always connected with triumph and victory, and that
was waved before our Lord on his entry into the chosen city. In France
the workmen still follow this custom, and there it is done to remind the
owner that he is expected to celebrate the event in some social way.

An interesting feature of the domestic picture is the large group of
healthy, merry children, whose boisterous mirth keeps the house in an up-
roar. If the people have with much reason been credited with habits and
dispositions of patriarchal simplicity, they no less resemble the ancient
race in the strength of their domestic affection and love of offspring. The
race is vigorous, the country large, and modern views and Malthusian
theories, which check the population of lands more thickly settled, are as
yet unknown in the old St. Lawrence region. How else could some sixty-
five thousand of them, defeated, dejected, and abandoned colonists at the
time of the cession in 1759, have swollen into the mighty flood of popula-
tion, some one million seven hundred thousand at the present day, engaged
in the cultivation and development of British North America's illimitable
resources ?

Before the cession a royal bounty was granted to all young men marry-
ing before the age of twenty, and to young girls wedding before sixteen.
Parents who had more than ten children were also in receipt of a royal
gratuity. In most households there are from a dozen to sixteen children,
and even as many as twenty-eight. Two prominent officials of the prov-
ince of Quebec are twenty-sixth children, and fine specimens of physical

THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY 1 33

development and mental culture they are, too. Recently the parliament
of Quebec passed a law granting a lot of land of one hundred acres to all
parents who have twelve or more living children, and already over one
thousand applications have been made for the provincial bounty. For-
merly children were made to take their meals at a small table at one end
of the room, generally sitting on one of the logs kept near the stove, until
they had made their first communion. It appears that the logs were used
for mincing meat as well, with the other end turned up. In their little
quarrels the older children used to taunt the younger, saying : " Oh, you
still eat off the block! " and much humiliation was felt.* Apropos of large
families, there is a story which deserves mention. A peasant, whose
means were not in proportion to his wit, perpetrated a joke on his priest,
the outcome of which must have been gratifying to one in his strait-
ened circumstances. He called one day upon his pastor, bringing with
him his twenty-sixth child, born to him that morning. " Monsieur le cure""
he said, " by the laws of my country and church it is my bounden duty to
hand over to you the twenty-sixth portion of all the natural products
which God in his goodness may send me. I consider children are in-
cluded in that category, and I therefore leave with you this afternoon
my twenty-sixth child, just presented to me by my good wife." The cure1
appreciated the pleasantry, although poor himself, for the parish was in the
back concessions of land, newly cleared, and the tithes — formerly the tenth
portion, now the twenty-sixth — were consequently small ; but he smilingly
replied: " I accept my share of what Providence has bestowed upon you
in its wise dispensation. But do not keep the child from his mother.
Take him home and board him at my expense, and later on I shall pay
for his schooling."

The garb of the peasantry exhibits the extreme of plainness. The
coarsest homespun, worked up without dye or polish, the materials as
dull in color as they are rough in texture, forms the staple of the suit,
the monotonous brown or gray of which sadly needs the contrast afforded
by the colored sash {ceinture fliche'e) about the waist, and the blue or
scarlet of the nodding toque. They wear beef moccasins stretching near to
the knee in summer, and cloth shoes and leggings {mitasses) in winter.
The moccasins are all made round about the toes, and for this reason old
country people sometimes call the French Canadians round toes. The wife's
{la bonne femme) dress is of the simplest description, composed of a warm
woolen shawl, a blue skirt or dress of homespun, and a neat linen cap,
frilled and tied under the chin. For church-going and holiday occasions,

* Me'moires Philippe Aubert de Gaspe.

134 THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY

many of them can produce a cheap East Indian shawl, which is care-
fully laid away at other times. The children are dressed somewhat like
the parents.

This remarkable conservatism in dress was originally due to the
influence of the popular leaders, spiritual and temporal. Aware that the
peasant's taste naturally ran toward display, regardless of expense, they
felt it was wisest to recommend the use of articles solid and useful. This
economical disposition has done a great deal to promote the success of
the people as colonists. They were strongly urged to raise from the soil
all required for their sustenance, to make their own clothing and tools as
well, that they might become independent of outsiders, especially of the
English, their old-time natural enemy. They were also stimulated to
spread, multiply, and take possession of the land — Emparons-nous du sol
was the watch-word — in order to become a power in North America.
Well-meant and sensible as was such counsel, it might not have been so
generally followed had the peasant had opportunities of seeing the outside
world and noting the different styles prevailing in domestic and other
matters. But communication with cities and towns was difficult and
expensive till a few years ago. Since, however, they have had this want
supplied, and been enabled to see so many pictures of the large stirring
cities, their humors, fashions, and prevalent spirit, that it is impossible to
confine them within the old grooves of habit or oblige them to follow with
anything like fidelity the former ideals set up for their guidance. Some
of them now discard homespun for garments of modern make, build them-
selves better houses, which they furnish with some luxury, keep servants
and carriages, and have more abundant cuisine. In fact, of late many
show much weakness for personal display and extravagance. The clergy
essay, but in vain, to correct this disposition. It is said that they spend
ten times more on dress, carriages, and fast horses than the same class in
France. Formerly self-denial was their rule of action, backed by self-
reliance. The farm and household work was divided impartially among
the different members of the family, no outside aid being necessary.
Many a farmer has had to mortgage heavily his homestead, as the result
of his foolish disregard of the wise counsel of his chieftains.

They generally enjoy good health, vigor, and animal spirits. Many an
old man and woman can be found who have never spent a dollar for
medicine since their birth. Nearly all enjoy the social weed in the form
of smoking ; chewing is rare. And their smoking seems seldom hurtful
with their steady nerves and simple habits. The race is, generally speak-
ing, temperate ; of course, with many, an occasional drink of whisky or

THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY 1 35

beer comes not amiss. Their diet is exceedingly plain. The farmer is an
early riser, leaving bed by four in summer and five in winter. Just before
the morning meal he takes his dram, petit coup d'appetit, the beverage
being usually whisky in which he has infused some absinthe leaves. He
is careful not to allow the younger children to see him ; he will take it a
la cachette. The first meal of the day consists of a platter of skimmed
and sour milk, in equal proportions, with buckwheat bread broken and
soaked in the milk. Dinner is served shortly before mid-day, the bill of
fare comprising pea soup in which pork has been boiled with green herbs.
The pork is generally eaten with molasses. The dessert is a bowl of new
and sour milk, mixed with the bread, as for the morning meal, but they
add maple sugar at this repast. After dinner all take a nap, servants and
family alike. Supper comes when the work of the day is ended, and con-
sists again of new and sour milk, with cold potatoes and whatever pork
may have been left over from dinner. Occasionally an infusion of hot
water and toast, under the name of coffee, is taken. Near the rivers,
lakes, and coasts fish is freely eaten. During harvest time, la moisson,
each worker is given a hunch of bread and a piece of cold boiled pork to
carry to the fields for the noon-day meal, which he eats with a clasp-
knife carried in the pocket for that purpose. They have an odd way of
cutting the bread and pork ; they hold the sandwich in the palm of the
left hand, and while pressing one corner of it against the thumb, they cut
a piece off with a circular motion. They next stick the end of the knife
into this piece and carry it to the mouth. The process is a peculiar and
striking one. With a draught of water the meal is complete.

Of a Sunday they enlarge their dietary, treating themselves at break-
fast to thick pancakes, crepes, made of wheaten flour and milk, cooked with
butter, and eaten with maple sugar or molasses. Another article of indul-
gence is roast pork, pore frais, the drippings of which, graisse de rot, are
much appreciated by them, and also a stew, ragoilt, of pigs' feet. In summer
they seldom eat meat, but they use it in winter when game is abundant.
When they kill cattle and pigs for market, they often keep certain portions
for family use, which they bury in the snow and dig up as wanted. The
ruling idea is to live on the humblest fare, made up of such things as are
not convertible into money. All their meals are eaten with a relish
begotten of pure country air, abundant exercise at the healthiest and
most invigorating of occupations. The diet of the better class of farmers
is more liberal, resembling that of the corresponding class in cities, but
they do not, as a whole, eat meat as freely as their British neighbors. On
festive occasions, like New Year and Easter, they treat their guests with

136 THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY

liberality, giving them cold meat-pies, tourtieres, and a cake, croquignoles,
not unlike the doughnuts of New England, and such other dainties as
they can afford, not omitting spirits.

On Friday no meats are eaten ; fish, eggs, and pancakes being most in
use, and bean soup also. Lenten season and the fasts of the church they
faithfully and rigorously observe, using meats only during certain days of
the week, and only once then. When they sit down to table they all
make the sign of the cross and invoke God's blessing, Benedicite ; after
meals they offer thanks, Deo gratias, and again cross themselves. At table
general hilarity prevails, and if one be noticed to eat less than usual he is
at once rallied to indulge more freely.

All their soups, meats, and stews are served in one large dish, a la
gamelle, which is placed in the centre of the table. They break their
pieces of bread, drop them in the main dish, and then scoop them out
with spoon or fork till the appetite is satiated. This custom is called
sauces, and the parent is heard now and then saying to a child whose appe-
tite is flagging, Sauce done, mon cher — " Dip in, my dear."

As a boy I remember, while out fishing at a place some forty miles
below Quebec, near the village of Montmagny, calling at a farmer's house
at dinner-time, and being invited to join the family circle. I hesitated for
a moment when asked to help myself from the main dish in the family
fashion, but a long walk had so sharpened my appetite, that when I was
urged a second time I threw mauvaise honte to the dogs and acted upon
the principle, " In Rome do as the Romans do," and I live to tell the tale.

Boston, July, 1890.

^^r^Ac^u 0j&>nc^eA-

OUR BELOVED FLAG

\Poem of Hon. Horatio King, ex-Postmaster-General, at the reunion of the Society of the Army
of the Republic, at Portland, Maine, July 3, 1890.]

Who shall tell in rhythmic measure

All the story of the war ?
What became of untold treasure ?

Who shall tell what it was for ?

How the conflict, like no other,
. Spread affliction far and wide ;

Brother madly fighting brother,
Fiercely ranged on either side.

Oh, the wicked, fatal error
Of the rash resort to arms !

Filling every heart with terror —
Every day with war's alarms !

Now I mind me, when I started
On life's mission, long ago —

Only just from boyhood parted —
I beheld the signs of woe.

North and South I saw arising,
Plain before my trustful eyes,

Little clouds, not yet surprising,
On the face of tranquil skies.

True, to some, they foretold danger,
Meagre as their forms appeared ;

Not so to the passing stranger :
He saw nothing to be feared.

Nor was any early meeting

Thought at that time to impend,

Of these clouds portentous — fleeting,
Wheresoe'er their motion tend.

Peace and Plenty held their places,

Smiling on a happy land ;
All serene their air, like Graces

Crowned with beauty, hand-in-hand.

Strange that at a time so cheering,
I should see in vivid dream,

Armies in the skies appearing,
Hostile in degree supreme.

What, I asked myself in wonder,
Does this startling vision show ?

Is it this — in doubt I ponder —
Must we meet a foreign foe ?

Seemed no cause for such collision,

All was quiet over sea ;
What should aid to a decision

In the matter, puzzled me.

But, at length, the clouds expanding,
Move in angry aspect near —

Dark before each other standing,
Touching patriots' hearts with fear.

Look ! what means this strange com-
munion ?

See ! emblazoned on each cloud,
In letters bold, the word Disunion !

All alarming, fierce, and loud !

Hark ! what sound is that conspiring,
Rumbling, trembling, from afar ?

'Tis from guns on Sumter firing !
Tocsin dread of civil war !

138

OUR BELOVED FLAG

Oh ! what act of direful madness !

Oh ! the folly of the strife !
Oh ! what cause of deepest sadness !

Who shall save the nation's life ?

Such was my first exclamation,
Standing near the helm of state ;

Whence should come the declaration
That should my distress abate ?

" To arms ! to arms ! " the cry went forth
From Lincoln's proud and lofty post,

" Wake ! East, and West, and South,
and North !
Spring, spring to arms, a mighty host !

Our flag insulted, bids you come ;

It calls for patriots strongly nerved ;
March quickly, cheered by fife and drum,

The Union, it must be preserved ! "

As when the mighty river's banks
Are swollen by the sudden flood,

The people rushed to fill the ranks,
And in a solid phalanx stood.

The Nation's capital their aim,

They moved at once in grand array,

As line on serried line they came
Their noble Chieftain to obey.

A brief suspense, and then they start
To meet their bold and threat'ningfoe ;

Each man inflamed to do his part,
Nor any hardship to forego.

Now, soon is heard the clash of arms,
Afar the cannon's angry roar,

O'erwhelming all with war's alarms,
That spread, like fire, from door to
door !

Too late ! the fatal shot was fired

When aimed in hate at Sumter's
shield ;

Almost, alas ! all hope expired
When patriots fell on battle-field.

Too late ! too late ! the war goes on
In blood and carnage — oh, how long !

Until, at last, the Right has won —
Until defeat o'erwhelms the Wrong.

Peace now resumed her rightful sway ;

Those hateful clouds have disap-
peared ;
Disunion sank with them away,

And Union her proud ensign reared.

Flag of our free, united land,

Float on ! float on ! o'er sea and strand !

We greet thee, seen away from home,

In foreign climes, where'er we roam,

With pride and satisfaction pure,

A shield and safeguard, strong and sure.

Float on ! float on ! no longer fear !

All hearts are with thee, far and near.

Float on ! float on ! from shore to shore !

Float on ! float on ! forevermore !

jn^zrnz^v ^tU^^c^J

MINOR TOPICS
THE EDICT OF NANTES

POEM BY THE REV. CHARLES S. VEDBER, D.D.

Read before the Huguenot Society of Charleston, South Carolina, at its celebration, April 14, 1 890,
of the Promulgation of the Edict of Nantes.

The sword that flashed at Ivry, its splendor seen afar,
Still lights the page where glory names King Henry of Navarre ;
But nobler claim to deathless fame

Than gleams from sword or lance,
Hath he who planned, for subjects banned,
The chartered rights of Nantz.

The plume that waved at Ivry, at Arques, and Coutras,
Its snowy sheen, wherever seen, on leading like a star,
No more outsped the eager tread

Of all his host's advance
Than leaped his pen to sign for men
The great rescript of Nantz.

The triumph won at Ivry ! its fullness who may tell,
That hushed the savage cry of strife, its groan and funeral knell !
But — richer far than silenced war

To fratricidal France —
That triumph wrought enfranchised Thought
From Henry's hand at Nantz !

Ah, had the boon but come to stay, unchallenged and unlost,
The Master's heeded voice, " Be still," to spirits tempest-tost,
How would our song its strain prolong,

And years its joy enhance,
That Ivry's field such store could yield
Of garnered good at Nantz.

Yet not his blame the curse and shame, that following feet outtrod
The right he gave that lord and slave might know and own their God !
Though much of ill assoil him still —

This knightly Prince of France —
With all we miss, his praise be this,

His throne of fame was Nantz !

140 MINOR TOPICS

May we, whose thoughts unfettered find the Truth that fills the heart :
Whose conscience no man's will may bind, nor guile ensnare with art ;
May we so blest, with souls at rest,
And rights above all chance,
Hold him sublime, beyond his time,
And great above his regal state,
Who, chief in word, as chief with sword,
Starred Ivry's crown with Nantz.

A CURIOUS ANTIQUE TREASURE OF 1794

" PROSPECTUS OF THE FIRST AMERICAN EDITION OF SHAKESPEARE

SHAKSPEARE'S WORKS.
First American Edition by
MOUNTFORD, BIOREN & CO.
Proposals for Printing by Subscription, the whole
DRAMATIC WORKS
Of William Shakspeare, in eight Duo-
decimo volumes, from Jones's Dublin Edition.

Conditions.

I. This work will be comprized in eight Duodecimo Volumes, printed on
fine American paper, in a stile of Typographical Elegance that shall
reflect the highest credit on the American press.

II. That it shall be embellished with a beautiful Frontispiece of Shak-
speare— engraved by the best American Artist.

III. That the price to Subscribers will be eight dollars, one dollar to be
paid on subscribing, and one dollar on the receipt of every succeeding
volume but the last — to enable the Publishers to pursue with con-
venience the arduous undertaking.

IV. Each Volume shall be delivered in blue boards to the Subscribers im-
mediately on the publication of every volume, with best impressions of
the Frontispiece — the price to be raised to Non-Subscribers.

V. That the names of the Subscribers will be printed to record the patrons
of this endeavour to encourage the useful and elegant Arts in America.

MINOR TOPICS 141

To the Public.

That Shakspeare has followed nature with puch truth and correctness, as to
render his Works the delight of all nations, however differing in customs and man-
ners from his own, is a fact which more than centuries of universal Approbation
have sufficiently established — The debt unpaid by the careless and unlightened
co-temporaries of this Illustrious Man, has been left to posterity to discharge, and
in proportion to the progress of taste and literature, the gratitude of mankind has
endeavoured to acknowledge the obligation. — England has exhibited her favorite
Authors with splendor, and it is hoped that America that seat of true liberty, will
not be backward in encouraging this first great attempt to do merited justice to
the author of this Dramatic Work.

The selection therefore of this incomparable Production for an elegant American
edition, requiring no justification, it only remains for the Publishers to add a few
observations on the claim which such undertakings have to patronage in America —
a country, which for liberty none can equal and should necessarily be the nurse
and patron of the Arts. And tho' to rival the Eastern country, may seem hope-
less in us — yet it is surely a laudable endeavour to excite that encouragement here,
which should be always offered to improvement and excellence. Indeed the zeal
which has appeared in America, since the permanent establishment of the present
happy constitution, for patronizing the arts, whilst it had produced and rewarded
a multitude of works which immortalize the artists, has also exalted the character
of the nation, and given dignity to the people whose patriotism and munificence
have promoted their discovery of perfection.

America is not insensible to the value of character, and will assume her rank
among nations as an encourager of the arts. It would therefore be an impeach-
ment of her understanding and patriotism, if a doubt were entertained of her pos-
sessing a portion of that spirit which considered in a national point of view, is one
of the most praise-worthy in the catalogue of public virtues ; as it contributes to
the best interests of society, by promoting industry, cherishing genius, multiplying
the rational enjoyments of life, and exciting a general taste for the beautiful and
the excellent.

In the hope then that the humble effort here proposed may interest this spirit,
and have some claim to general encouragement, it has been undertaken.

The attention which shall be paid to the correctness and beauty of the Print-
ing, will evince the desire of the publishers to present their country with an edition
worthy of the inimitable Shakespeare.

The Publishers assure the Patrons of this undertaking, they will discharge their
engagement with strict probity and honor, and therefore hope they may justly claim
public confidence and support.

Subscriptions are received by Messrs. Dobson, Carey, Young, Stevens, Camp-
bell, Rice, McKensey, Ormrod, Johnston, and all the booksellers throughout the
United States — also, by the editor of the General Advertiser, the editor of the

142 MINOR TOPICS

Gazette of the United States, and by the publishers, Mountford, Bioren and Co.
No. 75 Dock street

Philadelphia Dec. 16 1794."
Dunlap and Claypoole 's American Daily Advertiser, Dec. 22 1794 No. 4899.

W. K.

SIXTY WAYMARKS IN THE WORLD'S PROGRESS

The beginning of astronomical observations, at Babylon, 2234 b.c.

The art of making bread from wheat, taught in China, 1998 b.c.

Gold and silver first mentioned as money, 1920 b.c.

Invention of the Egyptian alphabet, by Memnon, 1822 B.C.

The first naval expedition on record (Jason), 1263 b.c.

Standard dictionary of the Chinese completed, 11 00 b.c.

Erection of Solomon's Temple, 101 2-1004 B-c-

The first eclipse of the moon observed, 721 b.c.

First comedy acted at Athens, on a cart, 562 b.c.

First public library founded at Athens, 527 B.C.

The Carthaginians sail to Britain for tin, 460 B.C.

Herodotus reads his history in the Athenian council, 445 B.C.

Thucydides' history ends, and Xenophon's begins, 410 b.c.

First work on mechanics, written by Aristotle, 320 b.c.'

Euclid founded mathematical school at Alexandria, 300 b.c.

Beginning of Septuagint translation of the Old Testament, 284 B.C.

Canal built by Ptolemy from the Nile to the Red Sea, 267 b.c.

The Romans taught the arts and sciences by the Greeks, 255 b.c.

First Roman history in prose, by Fabius Pictor, 225 B.C.

The art of surgery introduced in Asia Minor, 219 B.C.

Records of the Chinese Empire destroyed by Chi Hong Ti, 213 B.C.

Books with leaves of vellum introduced, 198 B.C.

First mention of a senate or sanhedrim, 198 B.C.

The first library opened at Rome, 167 B.C.

Greece annexed to the Roman Empire, 149 b.c.

Commerce of the world centres at Alexandria, 146 b.c.

The cherry-tree brought into Europe from Asia, 74 B.C.

Three books on agriculture written (Terentius Varro),74 b.c

The Alexandrian Library (400,000 volumes) burned, 47 B.C.

Golden age of Roman literature, 30 B.C.

Treasures of Egyptian art brought to Rome, 27 B.C.

The birth of Our Saviour Jesus Christ.

MINOR TOPICS I43

Josephus, the Jewish historian, in Jerusalem, 37-100 a.d.
Pliny the Elder wrote the first Historia Naturalis (37 volumes), 66 a.d.
Destruction of Herculaneum and Pompeii, 79 a.d.
Public schools in the Roman provinces, 98 a.d.
The first credible historian among the Chinese, 107 a.d.
Papinian, the greatest civil lawyer of antiquity, 170-212 a.d.
Constantinople the seat of art and literature, 330 a.d.
Zenobia conquers Egypt and part of Asia Minor, 269 a.d.
The Bible translated into the Gothic language, 379 a.d.
The Latin language ceases to be spoken in Italy, 580 a.d.
Ethelbert publishes the first code of laws in England, 617 a.d.
University of Cambridge founded (chartered 1230), 644 a.d.
The art of making paper brought to Europe by Arabs, 716 a.d.
Golden period of learning in Arabia, 785 a.d.
Figures of arithmetic brought to Europe by Saracens, 941 a.d.
Paper first made from cotton rags, 1002 a.d.
First age of scholastic philosophy, 1055 a.d.
Invention of printing at Mayence, 1436 a.d.
Invention of wood engraving, 1460 a.d.
Discovery of America by Columbus, 1492 a.d.
First newspapers of the world, in Venice, about 1563 a.d.
Telescopes invented by Jansen, a German, 1590 a.d.
First printing-office in America, 1639 a.d.
First published idea of steam as a moving power, 1663 a.d.
The lightning-rod invented by Dr. Franklin, 1752 a.d.
Steam first applied successfully to navigation, 1807 A-D-
Invention of the magnetic telegraph, by Morse, 1832 a.d.

The Atlantic cable — the beginning of telegraphic communication between all
the countries of the world, 1866 a.d.

Vinton Reade

EXERCISES IN AMERICAN HISTORY

1. What theories did Columbus hold in regard to the size and shape of the
earth, before he discovered America ?

2. Tell something about his unsuccessful attempts to get help to test these
theories. Who finally furnished the means ?

3. How many voyages did Columbus make, and what did he discover in each ?

4. What was the fate of Columbus ? Where was he buried ?

5. Give the origin of the name America.

144 MINOR TOPICS

6. For what is Ponce de Leon's name remembered ? Balboa's ?

7. Who commanded the first ship that circumnavigated the globe ? What was
this commander's fate ?

8. Who gave the Gulf of St. Lawrence its name ?

9. What English discoverer was called the " Great Admiral " ?

10. For what discovery is De Soto remembered ?

11. What river did Father Marquette explore ? How was he regarded by the
Indians ?

12. Name five bodies of water in, or near, the borders of America, named for
their discoverers.

13. What is the origin of the name Virginia?

14. Give an account of Sir Walter Raleigh's first attempt to plant a colony in
America.

15. What plants did Raleigh introduce into England ? How were they received ?

16. Give an account of Raleigh's second attempt at colonization.

17. At the beginning of the seventeenth century, what regions were claimed in
America by France ? By Holland ?

18. At the same period, what regions were claimed by Spain ? By England ?

19. What motives led explorers to the New World ?

20. What is the literal meaning of the following words : Port Royal ? Vera
Cruz ? Chaleur ? Pacific ? San Salvador ? Christopher ?

— Southwestern Journal of Education.

ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS
TWO UNPUBLISHED LETTERS OF ZEBULON BUTLER

Contributed by Rev. Horace Edwin Hayden

ZEBULON BUTLER TO GENERAL HAND

" Garrisson, Wyoming, 31st March 1779
Dear Genr1

Yours of the 25 Inst came to hand Last Evening in answer thereto Mr Jin-
kins will Wait on you and as I conclude you have my account of the Late Actions
at this Place I Shall omitt saying any thing about it and if you have not Mr Jin-
kins Will be abel to give you the Particulars of that affair, with Respect to the In-
dian Job Jilliway I was well acquainted the Last I heard of him be went with
Genr1 MTntosh to the Ohio and is since Dead of the Small Pox.

As to the Road to Mennes into the upper Road is from this Garrison to Laca-
wana by the Susqh 9 Miles to A Large Flatt Deserted by our people 10 Miles to
Capons Large Meddous and several Stacks of Grain Except it is Burnt very Lately
23 Miles to Lacaway to A Settlement Deserted but Believe Forrage Plenty. 14
Miles to Shehola A Settlement Large Meddous and I Believe hay Plenty. 14
Miles to Wellss Ferry opposite Cap* Chambers on Dilware. The Lower Road is
8 Miles to Bullocks House Deserted by the Owner Small Meddous no Forrage
27 Miles to Lornards some Improvements but much Eat out by Travellers 8
miles to Colo Strowds. 37 Miles to Wills Ferry on the west Side Dillware, Inhabit-
ants the Most of the way. the Upper Road has been Much Used with Carts and
Waggons and the Lower Road has not been Used with Carrages at all I Shall
take Particular Care that your Horse is well Tended.

If the Horse the Express Rides out Could be Sent back Should be Glad as we
are Much Strip'd of Horses the Indians took away nine Lately and killed My
Rideng Horse and one Other the Best we had and if you have Others wants Re-
cruiting we can take Good Care of them hear if the Indians Dont Catch them.

The Situation of Mr Jinkins he was A Militia officer hear. Cap' Spaulding
had No Subbaltern officer in his Company Mr Jinkins Entered as A Volunteer in
Cap* Spauldings Compy and has Done Lieuts Deuty for Eight Months Past.
I am Dear Gen1 your Most Obc

Humb1 Serv*

Zeb" Butler

On Publick Service"

Vol. XXIV.— No. 2.-10

I46 ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS

ZEBULON BUTLER TO COLONEL BLAINE.

" Garrison, Wyoming, 4th Septr. 1780
Sir

The Intent of this is to Apply to you to give orders to Mr Stewert Commis-
ary of Issue at this Post or some Purchasing Commisary that will Furnish him
beef Cattel or Salt Provision for the Use of this Garrison he Left this by my
Order the 29th of Last June to Procure Provision for this Garrison we have
been out of Provision near half the time Since and he has not Returned he has
Sent Some Flour but no meat he Writes me some Flour is coming but no
meat and that I must Send Express to Col0 Blain, Comsr Gen1 of Pss to Fur-
nish him with orders or money or he can not Procure it. this Express waits on
you on purpose to have Some Relief for this Garrison, which is A Frontier and
aught to have at Least three Months Provisions on hand with Respect to Flour
I think A Supply may Soon be had hear as there is A Quontity of Wheat to be Sold
hear and A Mill will be Ready to go in 4 or 5 Weeks but at Present no Person
authorised to Purchase my Makeing this applycation to you is by Request of
Mr Stewert Issuing Commisary at this Post if it Should be out of the Rule Youll
Please to Excuse me, but so much is fact we are out of Provisions and no Pros-
pect of Getting meat an answer by the Bearer Who waits on you will Much
Oblige your Humble

Serv4

Zebn Butler, Co1 Comd4.

Col Blaine D C G of F."

AN INTERESTING UNPUBLISHED LETTER

Contributed by Colonel Charles C. Jones, Jr., LL.D.

[The original of this letter is in the handwriting of Dr. Lyman Hall, and is signed by him and
by Dr. Brownson, both members from Georgia of the Continental Congress. At the time, Georgia,
by permission, was recruiting in Virginia.]

" Baltimore Feby 11th 1777.
Sir,

Your favour by Mr Jos Pearsons of ye 5th of Jany we have Recd. & immedi-
ately made application for the Amount of your Draught : & agreeable to yr Desire
have delivered to him to bring forward to you the sum of ten thousand Dollars.
At the time of receiving your Letter the money could not be obtained, there not
being a sufficiency in the Treasury to supply the numerous large Demands then in
waiting. Of course we was obliged to detain him till this Time. Due considera-
tion therefore ought to be, had to the necessary Expence & Time of his Detention.

We hope he will come safe wth his Charge, & will Deliver either to you, or if

ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS 1 47

agreeable to your Order, to George Walton Esqr., who, we understand has been
very Friendly in promoting the Recruiting Service & merits our gratefull Acknowl-
edgments.

A Supply of Guns, Blankets, &c cannot at this Time be obtained from this
Quarter : must therefore Recommend to you to obtain such Supplies as you can
get where you are, & as soon as possible March to the Georgia State.

We are sorry to inform you that complaints have been made to us repeatedly
that some Officers under yr Command behaved imprudently before your arrival
in Virginia, but have not the least Doubt but that by your Discreet Management
every Imputation of that kind will be prevented for the Future.

We sincerely wish you Success & hope your Spirited Exertions will fully
answer the flattering Expectations of all your Friends,

& are Sir,
10,000 Dollars. your most Obed* Servts,

P. S. yr & Majr Cuthbert's Lyman Hall

Joint Order was accepted Nathan Brownson.

& pd to the Virgina Dele-
gates for ye Sum .£5000.
Cury. of Virginia.

Col: Stirk."

148

NOTES

Intellect of new England — The
power of the Congregational clergy,
which had lasted unbroken until the
Revolution, was originally minute and
inquisitory, equivalent to a police au-
thority. During the last quarter of the
century the clergy themselves were glad
to lay aside the more odious watchful-
ness over their parishes, and to welcome
social freedom within limits convention-
ally fixed ; but their old authority had
not wholly disappeared. In country
parishes they were still autocratic. Did
an individual defy their authority, the
minister put his three-cornered hat on
his head, took his silver-topped cane in
his hand, and walked down the village
street, knocking at one door and an-
other of his best parishioners to warn
them that a spirit of license and of
French infidelity was abroad, which
could be repressed only by a strenuous
and combined effort. i\ny man once
placed under this ban fared badly if he
afterward came before a bench of magis-
trates. The temporal arm vigorously
supported the ecclesiastical will. Noth-
ing tended so directly to make respecta-
bility conservative, and conservatism a
fetich of respectability, as this union of
bench and pulpit. . . .

Even Boston, the most cosmopolitan
part of New England, showed no tend-
ency in its educated classes to become
American in thought or feeling. Many
of the ablest Federalists, and among the
rest George Cabot, Theophilus Parsons,
and Fisher Ames, shared few of the nar-
rower theological prejudices of their
time, but were conservatives of the Eng-

lish type, whose alliance with the clergy
betrayed as much policy as religion,
and whose intellectual life was wholly
English. Boston made no strong
claim to intellectual prominence. Nei-
ther clergy, lawyers, physicians, nor
literary men were much known beyond
the state. . . .

There was an arena of intellectual
combat, if that could be called combat
where disagreement in principle was not
tolerated. The talk of Samuel Johnson
and Edmund Burke was the standard
of excellence to all American society
that claimed intellectual rank, and each
city possessed its own circle of Federal-
ist talkers. Democrats rarely figured in
these entertainments, at least in fashion-
able private houses. The clergy in Bos-
ton took a prominent part in conversa-
tion, but Fistrer Ames was the favorite
of every intelligent company ; and when
Gouverneur Morris, another brilliant
talker, visited Boston, Ames was pitted
against him. " There was no exclusive-
ness," said a lady, who long outlived the
time ; " but I should as soon have ex-
pected to see a cow in the drawing-room
as a Jacobin." — Henry Adams's History
of the United States.

The death of wolfe — "Quebec,
October 7th, 1759. Honoured Sir, I now
have the pleasure of writing to you from
Quebec, which place is in his Britanick
Majesty's possession. As to our pro-
ceedings during the siege I will not
trouble you with them, as you will see it
at large in the public papers, but will ac-
quaint you with my own proceedings

NOTES

I49

which I hope will give you satisfaction.
Notwithstanding all the expedition I
could use it was the 16th April before I
arrived at Louisburg — On my arrival
there I found that our Regt. was not to
go up the river, but upon Mr. Wolfe's
arrival he brought an order for the
Granideers of the garrison to join him
which Granideers consisting of three
companies was formed into a batalion
under the command of Col1 Murray. I
then applied to Gen1 Whitmore for lib-
erty to go with our Granideers, which he
granted me and strongly recommended
me to General Wolfe — there was no ser-
vice through the campaign that required
courage and resolution but what we
were sent on, and Hond Sir I have the
satisfaction to acquaint you that God
enabled me on every occasion to do my
duty to the satisfaction of All my com-
manding officers and in particular on
that Ever Memorable Day the 13th of
Septr when the two Armys was drawn
up in the line of Battle within a small
distance of each other our company was
the Right of the line — when the General
viewing the position of the two Armies
he took notice of a small rising ground
between our right and the enemy's left
which concailed us from that quarter —
upon which the Gen1 did me the Hon-
our to detach me with a few Granideers
to take possession of that ground and
maintain it to the last extremity, which
I did till both armys was engaged. And
then the General came to me and took
his post by me. — But oh how can I tell
you my dear sir — tears flow from my
eyes as I write — that great that ever
memorable man whose loss can never
be enough regretted was scarce a mo-

ment with me when he received his fatal
wound. I myself received at the same
time two wounds — for I was close by him
— one in the right shoulder and one in the
thigh — but my concern for him was so
great that I did not at that time think of
them. When the General received the
shot I caught hold of him and carried
him off the field. He walked about one
hundred yards and then begged I would
let him sit down which I did ; then I
opened his breast and found his shirt
full of blood at which he smiled, and
when he seen the distress I was in ' My
dear,' said he, ' don't grieve forme I shall
be happy in a few minutes — take care of
yourself as I see you are wounded — but
tell me, tell me how goes the battle
there ? ' just then came some officers
who told him that the French had given
ground and that our troops was pursu-
ing them to the walls of the town. He
was then lying in my arms fast expiring.
That great man whose sole ambition was
his country's glory raised himself up on
this news and smiled in my face. ' Now,
said he, ' I die contented.' From that
instant the smile never left his face till
he died. I thought in him I had lost
all my interest but it pleased God to
raise me up friends in all the surviving
General Officers and in particular in
General Monck who upon his first taking
the command inquired for the Volunteer
that distinguished himself so much on
the 13th September with General Wolfe,
as he thought it his duty incumbent on
him in honour to General Wolfe's mem-
ory to provide for that gentleman and in
a few days he sent my commission by
Colonel Walsh who is my Colonel in the
28th Regiment commanded by General

i5o

QUERIES

Bragg which is one of the finest regi-
ments in the service, and what gives me
the greatest pleasure is that I am par-
ticularly liked by both my Colonel and
Major. We are single officers, that is
only one Lieutenant to a Company and
out of any danger of a breach. I be-
lieve at the opening of the next cam-
paign I shall be near the head of the
ensigns as there is a great many of them
our officers going out of the Regiment
that was wounded. Dear Sir, I believe
it will be scarce possible for you to read
this, but you must excuse me as it is
written with great pain as the wound in
my arm is not yet well. But, Honoured
Sir, I thought nothing should excuse me
from paying my duty to you and my
friends at home. Dear Sir as soon as
this reaches you be so kind as to ac-
quaint my dear mother and sister with
my good fortune, and take my excuse for
not writing to them in particular. My
dear Sir I beg you will write to me by
the first ships that come from England
as nothing in the world will give me
more pleasure than to hear what situa-
tion my dear mother and sister is in, and
you have your health, and my aunt and
cousin John and his wife. I am my dr

Hond Sir, with my sincere love to all my
friends,

" Your ever loving nephew,

" James Henderson.

" I must again beg you will write to
me, and direct to me ensign in the 28th
Regiment, Quebeck."

The above letter, written by a young
officer present at the battle, was copied
from the original in the early part of the
century, and printed in Notes and Glean-
ings for April, 1889. Petersfield

Geography and history — The re-
lations existing between geography and
history would seem to demand that one
should not be taught and understood to
the exclusion of the other. Is it not
possible that by teaching less of detail
in geography, time may be found for
training children to read and become
interested in history ? The two studies
are properly complements of each other.
The one is a description of the earth,
and the other a story of the people who
have lived on the earth. If either is
presented with no reference to the other
it often becomes a dry and uninteresting
subject. The teaching of geography for
this reason has lacked life and color.

QUERIES

Disasters on long island sound
— Editor of Magazine of American
History : The article called " Disasters
on Long Island Sound," in the June
number of the Magazine of American
History, says : " Four survivors lived
to tell the story " of the loss of the
steamer Lexington, and gives their
names. I would say that I was person-

ally acquainted with one of the sur-
vivors of that disaster, whose name is
not given. It was Captain Hannah of
Portland, Maine, master of the bark
Chester, which was at that time loading
at Lewis wharf, Boston, for Mobile. I
was a boy in the counting-room of the
merchants who were loading her, and
remember distinctly the arrival of Cap-

QUERIES

tain Hannah in Boston from the wreck
of the Lexi?igton. He was saved on a
floating bale of cotton.

Will you permit me to ask for some
information which I think you may be
able to give ? Among several original
letters which I happen to have, there is
one addressed to General Washington
by Elias Boudinot, who was attached to
General Washington's staff as commis-
sary-general of prisoners. I want to
learn the approximate date of the letter.
It is dated Elizabeth Town, Wednesday
noon, without the month or year. But
it contains the following paragraph by
which the date can be fixed : " This
very man is now a chaplain on board of
the new frigate Confederacy, which has
arrived at Chester, in Delaware, from
New London." If I can learn when the
" new frigate Confederacy " was launched,
or when she arrived at Chester, I can
get very near the date of the letter.
Can you assist me ?

William R. Bliss
New York City.

Portraits in pastel — Hon. E. B.
Lynde of West Brookfield, Massachu-
setts, owns two pastel portraits of the
same lady, taken at different ages, and
apparently by the same artist. One
represents a very young girl with an
oval face, the most exquisitely colored
complexion, very large, soft dark eyes,
arched eyebrows, regular features, and
a very sweet expression. The other
represents her a few years older, more
matured, and graver. In both portraits
the gown is cut low, showing a plump
young bust, modestly covered, and with a
white frill of lace above the edge of the

gown. A black cord or narrow ribbon
is tied around the neck, and hangs down
as if a locket or miniature hidden in the
neck of the dress were suspended from
it. The hair is raised high over a
cushion, surmounted by a curious head-
dress or turban, like a great shell in
shape ; these are not alike in the two
portraits, but of same general character ;
they are of gauze and lace of blended
pale blue and pink shades. There is a
rose in each, as a centre-piece on the
front. There are large puffs showing on
the sides of the head, coming from the
back, and large soft curls falling on the
neck on each side.

The writer owns a very fine oil por-
trait of Madame de Sevigne (1626-
1696), by Guillaume Spinny, painted
probably about 1661, in which the whole
costume is similar to that of the por-
traits we describe, except that the cush-
ioned head and curls on Madame de
Sevigne's are surmounted by feathers in-
stead of a turban or headdress. The two
pastel portraits have descended through
several generations of educated gentle-
men in the Lynde family, accompanied
by the tradition that they were brought
over by Mr. Simon Lynde, a wealthy
merchant who came from London to
Boston in 1650, and that they were
family portraits. He had no sister. He
married after coming to this country.
His mother, Elizabeth Digby, of a traced
descent from the noble family of that
name, early left an orphan, was edu-
cated as a Protestant in Holland, and
was married in London in 16 14 to Mr.
Enoch Lynde, of a heraldic Dutch fam-
ily. These portraits, if of her, might
therefore have been executed either in

I52

REPLIES

Holland or in England. Were pastels
Used in taking portraits as early as the
tunc* of this marriage? When did
pastels first come into use for that
purpose on the continent and in Eng-
land ?

This information is much desired for
the monographs on the Lynde and Dig-
by families, in the large work of family
histories and genealogies now nearly
completed, by Mr. and Mrs. Edward E.
Salisbury of New Haven, Connecticut.

REPLIES

Origin of surnames [xxiii., 169, 345 |
— Surnames came into use, from neces-
sity, in the fourteenth century. Among
the middle and lower classes they became
hereditary about 1450. A curious illus-
tration is given of their origin in Curiosi-
ties of Puritan Literature. In the ward-
robe accounts of Edward IV., 1480, oc-
cur the names of "John Poyntmaker, for
pointing XI dozen of silk points, John
Carter, for carting away a load of robeux,
Richard Gardyneri for working the gar-
den, Alice Shapster, for making sherts."
Shapster is feminine for Shaper. There
are many works on this subject.

H. E. H.

Universities of the world [xxiii.,
345, 418, 507] — The following additions
may be made to my former lists :

South America. — Argentine Repub-
lic. Universities of Buenos Ayres and
Cordova.

Bolivia. Universities of Chuquisaca,
La Paz, and Cochabamba.

Brazil. Soares university. The young
men are sent generally to universities in
Europe and the United States to be
educated, mostly to the latter country,
and the larger number of them to Cor-
nell university.

U. S. of Colombia. Colleges of Bo-

gota, Cartagena, Popayan, Mompox,
Tunja, and Cali.

Guiana. None.

Peru. Universities of Lima, Trujillo,
Ayacucho, Cuzco, and Puno.

Paraguay, 1887. National college at
Assumption, 21 professors, 201 students.

Patagonia. None.

North America.

Central America. — Nicaragua,
1887. 10 colleges, 64 professors, 998
students.

San Salvador. University of San Sal-
vador. The colleges of Central Amer-
ica are mostly colleges in name only.

West Indies. — Cuba. 1S73. Royal
university at Havana. Rector and 30
professors. Royal college also at Ha-
vana.

Porto Rico. None.

Asia. — India, 1885-86. Universities of
Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay admitted
3,802 students ; 106 other colleges for
males, and 2 for girls, with 31 students
in 1886.

Japan. Imperial university, 40 pro-
fessors. The government sends a num-
ber of young men each year, at its own
expense, to American and European
universities to be educated, in order to
afterward assist in the government.

China. No regular colleges. Several

: : : ' -
SiAMiA mrruLS [ttttL 414, _

154

SOCIETIES

The Holland society — The annual
meeting of the Holland society of New
York was held May 27, 1890, at Hotel
Brunswick. Present, Hon. Robert B.
Roosevelt, vice-president for New York
city, and acting president in the va-
cancy caused by the death of President
Hooper C. Van Vorst, and three hun-
dred and forty members of the society.
A communication was read from the
Congregational club of Boston, Massa-
chusetts, relating to the erection of a
pilgrim statue at Delft Haven, Holland.
The matter was referred to a commit-
tee to act in connection with the board
of trustees and consider the matter and
report at the next meeting. The presi-
dent appointed Judge A. T. Clearwater
of Kingston, New York, Mayor Edward
Elsworth of Poughkeepsie, Louis B. Van
Gaasbeek of Kingston, Kiliaen Van
Rensselaer of New York, and Hon. John
Van Voorhis of Rochester, as such
committee. General Egbert L. Viele re-
ported upon the celebration of the 200th
anniversary of the massacre at Schenec-
tady, and the report and speeches were
ordered published in the Year Book.
Mr. Theo. M. Banta, as chairman of the
special committee, reported on the pub-
lication of old church records, that the
first volume of the society's collections
is now in press, and will be issued in the
early autumn. This volume will con-
sist of the records of the churches of
Hackensack and Schraalenburgh, Ber-
gen county, New Jersey, which were for-
merly collegiate, and will comprise the
registers of members, marriages, and
baptisms, together with the calls to the

pastors and the elections of the consisto-
ries. These have been translated from
the original Dutch, and will appear in
chronological order, with a complete in-
dex to all names, making a book of
about seven hundred and fifty pages.
It will be illustrated with full-page views
of the churches. The Hackensack rec-
ords date from 1686, being one of the
oldest churches whose records have been
preserved. The Rev. Dr. Van Gieson,
Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, Rev. Dr. Prall,
Tunis G. Bergen, and Hon. Edward Els-
worth were appointed a committee to ac-
quire information concerning the North-
western academy at Orange city, Iowa,
and briefly to report the same as soon as
practicable, by circular, to all the mem-
bers of the society, with such recom-
mendation to the several members as they
may deem advisable. General Egbert
L. Viele, Rev. Henry Van Dyke, Kiliaen
Van Rensselaer, Senator C. P. Vedder,
and Rev. Dr. Ten Eyck were appointed
a committee to confer with the existing
committee of the trustees on the pro-
posed statue of a typical Dutchman to
be erected in New York city.

The officers elected for the ensuing
year are Robert B. Roosevelt, president;
Maus Rosa Vedder, M.I)., vice-presi-
dent for New York city, and twenty-
eight vice-presidents for Dutch centres
outside of the metropolis ; George W.
Van Siclen, secretary ; Eugene Van
Schaick, treasurer ; and five trustees,
whose term of office will expire in 1894.

Saugatuck historical society — At
a meeting of this society in April, the

SOCIETIES

155

name was changed from " Westport His-
torical Society " to the " Saugatuck His-
torical Society of Westport" as the latter
name seems to memorialize better the
river, the valley, and the old town of
Saugatuck, which Westport now repre-
sents. The officers for the year are
Horace Staples, president ; William J.
Jennings, William H. Saxton, Captain
William C. Staples, vice-presidents ;
Rev. James E. Coley, secretary ; William
Gray Staples, librarian ; Dr. L. T. Day,
treasurer. Mr. William J. Jennings read
a paper on "Country Life in the first
half of the Present Century."

The western reserve historical
society held its twenty-fourth annual
meeting at Cleveland, Ohio, on the 17th
of May, 1890, the president, Judge C. C.
Baldwin, in the chair. The secretary
and librarian, Mr. D. W. Manchester,
stated in his interesting report, that the
society was in a very flourishing condi-
tion, and that interest was increasing on
the part of both members and visitors.
The visitors during the year had for
the most part sought the society's library
and museum for the purposes of study
rather than of mere sight-seeing. Among
the members, who are scattered over the
entire country, it is somewhat remark-
able that only one death occurred during
the year — that of Mr. Hopson Hurd of
this city, who was an annual member.
Officers were elected for the ensuing
year, as follows : Judge C. C. Baldwin,
president ; D. W. Cross, W. P. Fogg, J.
H. Sargent, and Samuel Briggs, vice-
presidents ; John B. French, treasurer ;
and D. W. Manchester, secretary and
librarian.

THE PENNSYLVANIA HISTORICAL SOCI-
ETY has suddenly become very rich in
literary relics and autograph letters.
The society met on the 5th of May,
1890, to hear the annual report of its
council and receive the splendid gift of
the famous collection of Mr. Ferdinand
J. Greer, containing treasures of extraor-
dinary interest, which is likely to be
the sensation of historical circles for
months to come. At the same time Mr.
Hampton reported two other gifts,
either of which alone would have
attracted unusual attention, and ap-
peared the less only in the stupendous
presence of the Greer collection. These
were an autograph collection of Colonel
Clement Biddle from Mrs. Chapman
Biddle, and relics of the Morris family
from Miss Elizabeth Nixon. Mr. Greer
began his collection forty years ago,
and his gift embraces nine thousand
letters. The mere catalogue will em-
brace one thousand pages. The collec-
tion contains autographs of popes and
kings, philosophers, architects, poets,
navigators, explorers, famous travelers,
the presidents of the United States,
members of the continental congress,
signers of the Declaration of Independ-
ence, generals of the continental army,
and the statesmen and soldiers of Great
Britain and France who were conspic-
uous in the war of the Revolution. Of
special interest to historical scholars are
the letters of Washington, Franklin, La-
fayette, Jefferson, and Robert Morris,
which are numerous and valuable.
There are peculiarly interesting letters
of Lincoln and Grant, including the
famous demand of Grant for the un-
conditional surrender of Fort Donelson.

HISTORIC AND SOCIAL JOTTINGS

The learned Rev. Dr. Hague, whose delightful reminiscences of half a century are still
fresh in the public mind, has left us a graphic pen-portrait of Aaron Burr in 1821, as seen
through the eyes of a boy of thirteen. He writes : " About six o'clock P. M. of a Novem-
ber day, having delivered my mother's message to her aunt, Mrs. Bartow, an aged lady
of seventy-five (a relative by marriage to Colonel Burr's first wife), I was protracting
my stay in the parlor of her dwelling in Vesey street, with the expectation that the colonel
would come in very soon, as was his wont, to take his tea with Mr. Bernabue Bartow and
his excellent mother. Imagine him entering the parlor at a moment when I was there
alone. His physique, air, style of movement, realize a boy's highest ideal of the soldier
and the gentleman ; while his keen glance and sunny smile, expressive of a personal interest
as real as if I had been a senator, awaken a feeling quickly responsive to the tone of cheer
in his greeting, ' Well, well, I'm glad to see you. Have they left you alone here ? ' To
which I replied, ' Hardly, colonel : aunt and cousin Bernie were called out just now ;
they will be in soon.' "

The graceful ease with which Aaron Burr approached the sofa where the boy was sit-
ting and picked up a school-book, turning its leaves with the air of a connoisseur while
glancing over it, can almost be seen at this moment. "Is it your way to be carrying
Caesar's Commentaries about with you ? " he asked. " No, sir," replied the boy ; " but I
have evening lessons, and as I have not been at home since school, I have kept Caesar
with me." — " How far have you read ? " — " Up to the bridge." Then came a lively talk
about Julius Caesar, with stories of his youth, his personal appearance, his manners, habits,
and characteristics as a Roman citizen, a soldier, a writer, etc., all of which the colonel
could render as captivating to a boy as Sir Walter Scott's word pictures of Queen Elizabeth
or of the Duke of Buckingham in Kenilworlh.

Dr. Hague comments upon the remarkable self-possession of Burr, which impressed
itself forcibly upon his young mind, and was a familiar topic of home-talk. It had been
said that Burr was never throughout all his life in the least disconcerted, except once.
"Well do I remember asking my mother for an explanation of this saying. She replied,
' It was during his sojourn in Paris, where, for a time, he felt himself liable to arrest.
He was walking alone, quite willing to remain unnoticed, when he was surprised by the
quick, sharp exclamation of a stranger, That's the man ! The colonel told the story him-
self, frankly confessing his exceptional experience of a nervous tremor and a heart-beat.
It turned out that the stranger had seen the portrait of Colonel Burr drawn by his cele-
brated protege Vanderlyn, and his quick recognition of the likeness startled him into a
mood of admiration that could not but express itself aloud to the honor of the artist.'
In Burr could be traced two currents of educational influence incessantly active, distinct,
and different, yet coalescing like the two contrasted streams of Hebrew and Greek
thought. The thought would suggest itself that we saw in him the ancient stoic, in the
palmiest days of that philosophy, and the primitive epicurean, fused into a live unity."

BOOK NOTICES

157

LIFE AND TIMES OF EPHRAIM CUT-
LER, prepared from his Journals and Corre-
spondence by his daughter, Julia Perkins
Cutler. With biographical sketches of
Jervis Cutler and William Parker Cutler.
Svo, pp. 353. Robert Clarke & Co. : Cincin-
nati, Ohio. 1890.

This volume is filled from the first page to the
last with valuable history. It is uniform in size
with the Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler, and
forms an important supplement to that well-
known work. Ephraim Cutler was the eldest
son of Rev. Manasseh Cutler, and a conspicuous
figure in the settlement of eastern Ohio. He
crossed the country with his wife and four
children from Killingly, Connecticut, in 1795,
and after a tedious journey reached the infant
town of Marietta. He did not remain there
long, but established his crude log-cabin home
in Waterford. In 1798 he induced Lieutenant
George Ewing and Captain Benjamin Brown to
join him in founding a settlement in Athens
county, which was christened Ames. Later on
he held many important positions in the new
territory — was appointed to the bench, and
became a member of the convention which
formed the first constitution of Ohio. He in-
troduced the clause into the constitution prohibit-
ing slavery, and that relating to religion and
education. He was a member of the Ohio legis-
lature from 1S19 to 1825, and introduced the
first bill for establishing a system of common
schools in Ohio.

A considerable portion of this excellent vol-
ume is an autobiography, but the accomplished
and careful editor has introduced letters and
other material which throw a strong light upon
events of great consequence. Concerning
schemes for educating the growing youth in the
wilderness, we are told that " An act, establish-
ing a university in the town of Athens, draughted
by Dr. Cutler, was introduced into the territorial
legislature during the session of 1801-2 by his
son, Judge Ephraim Cutler, which passed with
some modifications and was approved by Gover-
nor St. Clair, January 9, 1802. A small brick
building was erected for an academy, which was
opened as a branch of the university in 1808.
The college edifice was completed in 1817, and
an organization of the university was effected in
1820." Judge Cutler was one of the earliest
board of trustees, and labored untiringly for the
interests of the institution while in the legislature.
He was also in constant correspondence with
Hon. Samuel F. Vinton, then a member of
congress, who procured the passage of a law
which empowered the Ohio legislature to sell the
school lands of the state, a splendid endowment

of one thirty-sixth of her whole surface, and
" invest the proceeds in some permanent, pro-
ductive fund, the income to be forever applied
to the support of schools." The benefits of this
law, which at first applied to Ohio only, have
extended to the new states, and thus secured to
posterity, from waste and misapplication, this
valuable gift of the national government. In
every sphere of life the subject of this work was
a useful, conscientious, and public-spirited man ;
and the story of his life, ably interwoven with
matters of the first importance to the people and
the state, is a truly valuable addition to Amer-
ican history. The volume also embraces an
admirable sketch of the Hon. William Parker
Cutler, the son of Judge Ephraim Cutler, a
prominent public character in Ohio for fifty
years prior to his death in 1889. His diary
while in congress in the winter of 1862-63 is of
special interest.

GENEALOGICAL MEMOIR OF THE
BACKUS FAMILY, with the private Journal
of James Backus, together with his Corre-
spondence bearing on the first settlement of
Ohio at Marietta in 1788. Also Papers and
Correspondence of Elijah Backus, show-
ing the character and spirit of the times during
the Revolutionary period. In two parts.
Part I., Genealogical. Part II., Historical.
By William W. Backus. Svo, pp. 374.
Norwich, Connecticut, 1889.
The papers which are preserved in this vol-
ume have been packed away for one hundred
years or more. They illustrate the spirit and
character of the times in which they were penned;
as, for instance, the journal of James Backus
was written on the spot where occurred one of
the most important events in the country's
history — the settlement of Ohio at Marietta in
1788. The papers of Elijah Backus bear upon
the critical period of the Revolution. He was
a justice of the peace for the county of New
London in Connecticut, and captain of a Com-
pany of minute-men that hurried to the defense
of New London when notice came of Arnold's
approach with a plundering expedition of British
soldiers. He was a man of property and in-
fluence, and his iron-works were of great use to
the country during the war. He married Lucy,
daughter of John Griswold of Lyme, Connecti-
cut, in 1753. His son, James Backus, born in
1764, was one of the surveyors appointed to lay
out the lands of the Scioto Company in Ohio ;
and another son, Elijah, born in 1759, was re-
ceiver of public moneys in the new Northwest
territory. He was a prominent lawyer, was

158

BOOK NOTICES

elected to the senate, and is said to have owned
the first printing-press west of the mountains.
His only son, Thomas Backus, born in 1785,
married the daughter of Abner Lord from Lyme,
Connecticut, who was among the pioneers of the
wild Ohio country, and they were the parents of
Abner Lord Backus, whose well-known promi-
nence as a civil engineer and as president of the
state board of public works in Ohio goes to
confirm the author's statement, that " the Backus
family, in all its branches, has had many illus-
trious representatives, and all seem to have been
active, energetic, patriotic citizens." James
Backus, the Ohio land surveyor, kept a journal
which occupies some eighty or more pages of
this volume, in which an interesting list appears
of the articles taken into the woods in his port-
manteau— among which we find, with his change
of clothing, one Hutchinson s Geography, a knife
and fork, and three dozen buttons. We are also
entertained with an account of the fourth of July
dinner in 1788, which was managed by this
James Backus, at Marietta. " From one hun-
dred and fifty to two hundred guests " gathered
about the table. The necessary utensils to eat
with were borrowed. " They had seventy-one
knives, seventy-seven pewter and earthen plates,
twelve pewter and earthen dishes, one glass
tumbler and twenty-one tin, nine sup-pans,
twelve pewter and copper porringers, seven large
copper and brass kettles and pots, four bake-
pans, one spider, four frying-pans, three grid-
irons, two pepper-boxes, eighteen spoons, one
castor, six bottles, three tin jugs, two salad pans,
five quart and seven half-pint pewter and tin
cups, one punch pitcher, five tin cups for gravy,
and one baster." This fourth of July fell on
Friday that year, and General James Mitchell
Varnum was the orator of the day.

HISTORY OF THE PACIFIC STATES
OF NORTH AMERICA. By Hubert
Howe Bancroft. Volume XIX. History
of California, Vol. VII., 1860-1890. 8vo,
pp. 826. The History Company, San Fran-
ciso. Frank M. Derby, general agent, New
York. 1890.

This volume gives us the concluding chapters
of Mr. Bancroft's history of California. It opens
with an excellent chapter on the " Development
of Agriculture," vastly interesting to all the
world. The author says : "Grass, gold, and
grain have each had their day, and the epoch of
fruit and the vine is upon us. . . . The possi-
bilities of orchards and vineyards had been early
understood, but the inferior quality of the mis-
sion fruit, especially the grape, offered but little
employment, until in later years the gradual in-
troduction of foreign varieties paved the way for
flourishing vineyards and orange groves. . . .

Few countries possess so varied a cultivation, or
a farming community of higher general intelli-
gence and enterprise. This development has
been wrought in the face of obstacles, notably
the dryness of soil and season, with periodical
droughts." The third chapter is occupied with
graphic descriptions of fruit growing, and then
Mr. Bancroft passes on to cattle raising and
manufactures, and devotes the sixth chapter to
foreign commerce. The collection of people in
a hitherto obscure quarter called into existence
fresh avenues and means for traffic, while the
abundance of gold led to wasteful extravagance
in every direction. Trading vessels came ped-
dling their cargoes, and prices for all necessaries
rose like paper in the wind. This condition of
affairs led to a strong demand for fast sailers,
owing to the distance from the base of supplies.
The rapid multiplication of steam and sailing
vessels on waters little explored was attended by
noany deplorable accidents. Then the interior
postal service was for a long time utterly inade-
quate to the demand, owing to the small pecuniary
allowance to meet the ruling high prices. Post-
masters could not afford needed assistance, nor
decline outside emoluments. Postal routes were
opened slowly, and as late as June, 1851, there
were only thirty-four post-offices in the state,
even populous central counties having only one
weekly mail. Stage lines sprang into existence
about 1852, and at first centred in Sacramento.

Perhaps no part of this entertaining volume
will be read with more interest, and by more
people, than Mr. Bancroft's clear and succinct
account of the business methods and general
characteristics of the Californians from 1848 to
1888. Of the time-saving methods of the early
auction-houses he says : " The chief reason for
their existence here lay in the sudden rise of
commerce, with the consequent absence of rep-
utable consignees, in the lack of warehouses for
storing goods, and in the instability of affairs
from fires, panics, and migrations. Auctions
proved valuable vent-holes during these ever-
threatening disasters, and within the shanty walls
entire cargoes were disposed of at a moment's
notice, and millions changed hands in the course
of a month. They also afforded excellent oppor-
tunities for those who had been overtaken by
such calamities to repay their losses, as happened,
for instance, to a gentleman who now ranks
among the leading citizens of Los Angeles,
named Prudent Beaudry. who, after losing nearly
all that he possessed by the conflagrations of
1850-51, was thus enabled to secure the means
whereby he has contributed to the growth of the
southern metropolis. There is no one to whose
enterprise and public-spirited policy Los Angeles
is more indebted for her development from a
struggling village in 1852, to its present position
as the metropolis of southern California."

There is so much of priceless interest presented

BOOK NOTICES

159

in these pages that we can only touch briefly upon
some few salient features. California has ever
been overflowing with remarkable episodes, as
well as the pioneer in all manner of queer and im-
possible economic enterprises, and it has a hun-
dred times half convinced the world that it was
little else than a huge harbor of explosive material.
Mr. Bancroft gives us desired information about
its anti-railroad agitation, its peculiar methods
and experiences in state-making, its anti-Chinese
war, its fight against hydraulic mining, itsreckless
pushing ahead in all directions, and its inevitable
depressions, and he reminds us that it is only
" now a little more than four decades since the
discovery of gold attracted to this coast the at-
tention of the civilized world, and during that
period — little more than the span of a single
generation — how marvelous the transformation
that many yet living have witnessed ! As at the
touch of a fairy's wand, the land has been con-
verted from one vast pasture-ground into a region
smiling with grain-fields, orchards, and vine-
yards." The study of the history of this state
is certainly essential to every intelligent Ameri-
can who wishes to possess the elements of ordi-
nary intelligence.

THE BEGUM'S DAUGHTER. By Edwin
Lassetter Bynner. With illustrations by
F. T. Merrill. i2mo, pp. 473. Boston :
Little, Brown & Co. 1890.
Mr. Bynner has written a clever story of ab-
sorbing interest, and has introduced so many of
the actual events and picturesque characters of
the antique period into his quaint and peculiar
plot, that his book is destined to hold high rank
among the historical romances of the world.
The scene is laid in New York at the time of
the English revolution of 1689, when William
and Mary ascended the English throne ; and in
the midst of love-making the author has pictured
with a master hand the disturbances which the
political agitations in Europe created here.
There was no occasion for an insurrection in
New York. The officers of the government
were waiting for instructions, and these were
expected daily. But the dread of absolute
power in a spiritual order amounted to positive
expectancy in the uneducated mind ; and while
the danger that the adherents of James II.
would try to re-establish their fallen monarch
was purely imaginary, the lower classes were
quick to believe their superiors all " papists "
and full of fiendish plans and purposes ! The
era of general intelligence, of printing-presses,
newspapers, books, and schools had not yet
arrived to bless America, and vague ideas were
afloat of a dawning millennium when the popu-
lar element should shoot miraculously to the top
round of the governing ladder, and aristocracy
come to earth and henceforth wield the plow and

the hammer. Mr. Bynner has evidently made a
careful study of this stormy time, and has ingen-
iously placed his spirited characters in situa-
tions most effectively to present the accepted
facts of history. Concerning no public official
has opinion more widely differed than in regard
to Jacob Leisler. For many generations after
his death misleading accounts penned by violent
partisans, together with distorted family tradi-
tions, all tinctured with the narrow prejudices
of that peculiar age, chronicled him as a martyr
without regard to the unpardonable excesses
which he committed — far greater than ^hose of
any of the governors placed over the colony by
the king of England. Later researches in which
partisanship has had no part have developed
the actual truth, and the unprejudiced can now
see how completely the extraordinary acts of
Leisler negative all claim to democratic theories.
He was not a bad man, but strong, self-willed,
inexperienced in matters of state, infatuated
with his position, and deplorably uncertain and
feeble in judgment. Better men have paid
as dearly for their mistakes in all ages of the
world, but Leisler's execution was a shocking
blunder, and became the stock of a party that,
through its triumphs and defeats, kept exciting
stories long in exaggerated forms before the
people. Mr. Bynner has thrown vivid lights
into the little city of two hundred years ago,
and given us graphic glimpses of mutual affec-
tion, obstructed courtship, and final separation
of lovers. There is a charming vein of humor
running through the narrative ; and the heroine,
the beautiful daughter of the India princess, is
most captivating to the reader. We wish the
characters had not tried to converse in broken
English, since pure Dutch without any English
idioms was spoken chiefly in the New York of
that period. But Mr. Bynner's novel is a power-
ful production, and his grasp of the situation
so realistic that it places him at once among
the foremost novelists of the present day.

THE HAWLEY RECORD. By Elias S.
Hawley. Folio, pp. 592. Buffalo : Pri-
vately printed. 1890.

No more sumptuous volume has been devoted
to family history and genealogy in many a day
than the one now before us. Printed on the
choicest of paper, bound in full Turkey mo-
rocco, and embellished with excellent illustra-
tions, we turn its leaves with a sense of
pleasure it is difficult to express in words. The
name of Hawley has always commanded respect.
Who does not know of the eminent statesman
Joseph Hawley, born in Northampton, Massa-
chusetts, in 1723, graduating from Yale in 1742,
and throughout an important official career one
of the ablest and most eloquent advocates of
American liberty ? And have we not General

i6o

BOOK NOTICES

Joseph Hawley, another eminent statesman,
still at the post of duty? As we turn the
leaves of this ponderous tome we meet an army
of active and scholarly men bearing the honor-
able name — ministers by the score, soldiers,
editors, lawyers, doctors, statesmen. The ma-
terial has been collected for this elegant and
costly work by one who, in his profession and
business enterprises, has been a very busy man
all his life. Its design is practical, convenient,
excellent ; each page may be carried to a further
state of completion by any person interested,
which explains why the sort of paper is used that
will admit of written entries, the rilling in of dates
and names, where now from want of knowledge
of the facts the blanks are to be seen. The
arrangement is for a record to contain a certain
number of facts, representing families in groups,
in the order of birth, and the generation to
which they belong, with marriage records.

It is well that the time has gone by when edu-
cated men and women can be deterred from
genealogical pursuits and investigations by the
fear of ridicule from those near and dear to
them, or of having their motives misunderstood
or misconstrued. We cordially welcome the
fine fruits of genealogical studies, as year' by
year they drift into our archives. In the lan-
guage of the able author of this superb volume,
" History is not an honest witness. She may tell
the truth, and nothing but the truth, but she
does not tell the ' whole truth.' She sees only
the mountain peaks in the landscape, and this is
less than half sight. The spire of Trinity, the
dome of St. Peter's, could not stand, could not
have been built, without first those deep and
wholly obscure and hidden foundations. To
rescue from utter oblivion the names of those on
whose patience, industry, honesty, and virtue,
the very superstructure of society is built, and
the celebrity of great names founded, and by
which these are made possible, is the beautiful
and delightful work of the genealogist and local
historian."

THE MEMOIRS OF GENERAL JOSEPH
GARDNER SWIFT, LL.D., U. S. A., first
graduate of the United States Military Acad-
emy, West Point, 1800-1865. To which is
added a genealogy of the family of Thomas
Swift of Dorchester, Massachusetts, 1634.
By Harrison Ellery. Square folio, pp.
350. Privately printed. 1890.
The diary of General Joseph Gardner Swift,
the celebrated civil engineer, who was the first
graduate of the United States military academy at
West Point, occupies the larger portion of this
handsome volume. His first jottings are dated
July, 1807, and the last entry in his journal

bears date January 31, 1865, a few months be-
fore his death. The remainder of the volume is
devoted to an elaborate genealogy of the Swift
family. The career of General Swift is familiar
to our readers. He was born in 1783, and
graduated from the United States military acad-
emy in 1802. He was chief engineer in planning
the defenses of New York harbor in 1812, and
of the army the next year. He was superinten-
dent of harbor improvements on the lakes from
1S29-1845, and in 1830 constructed the railroad
from New Orleans to Lake Pontchartrain, over
an almost impassable swamp. Later on he be-
came chief engineer of the Harlem railroad.
His life covered periods of such surpassing inter-
est that it may be easily seen how his circum-
stantial diary must contain material of excep-
tional historic importance.

He was in Washington during the month of
December, 181 3, and speaks of his interviews
/with General Armstrong. ' ' We were occupied
until 24th in looking at the Delaware and Pa-
tapsco, with military views, and in reaching
Washington. I found Mrs. Armstrong an
amiable lady, and her daughter handsome and
intelligent. The general has a fine mind,
though personally of very inert habits, abound-
ing in knowledge of the past and strong views
of the future operations on the frontier. He
spoke of General Washington in highest terms
of respect for his integrity and patriotism, but
not respectfully of his genius. We discoursed
on the ' Newburgh Letters.' The general said
that had he been one year older he would have
written them ; that they had been a mill- stone
hung about his neck -through his life."

One notable feature of the general's diary is
his account of the tour of President Monroe
through the northern states, whom he accompa-
nied. He speaks of visiting Joseph Bonaparte,
also Vice-President Tompkins on Staten Island,
and of meeting De Witt Clinton, General Scott,
General Morton, and other notable New Yorkers.
He goes with Monroe to see the venerable ex-
President John Adams at Quincy, and he al-
ludes to nearly all the prominent men of New
England in one way or another. Glancing over
the varied subjects mentioned in this diary,
we find, on June 30, 1850, the following: " I
replied to Daniel Huntington's inquiries as to
the belief in General Washington's blasphemy,
stating my total disbelief in such impressions ;
that I had conversed in my youth with Gene-
ral Alexander Hamilton, Lieutenant-Governor
Cobb, Colonel Trumbull, Major Baylies, and
General Chief Justice Marshall as to the domes-
tic and social character of Washington, all
adverse to his having any habit of using oaths,
etc." This memoir has been ably prepared, it
is issued in very handsome style, and is alto-
gether a most acceptable and valuable contribu-
tion to American history.

JUDGE AMASA J. PARKER, 1807-1890.

MAGAZINE OF AMERICAN HISTORY

Vol. XXIV SEPTEMBER, 1890 No. 3

THEN AND NOW

THE TWO CROTON AQUEDUCT CELEBRATIONS, 1 842, 189O

IT was a notable event in the history of America when the first Croton
aqueduct, a conduit of solid masonry forty-five miles in length,
received the water of the Croton river and conveyed it into the chief
city of the western world. The magnificent work was considered at the
time worthy of being ranked with the old Roman aqueducts. It had been
accomplished at a cost of some nine millions of dollars, in a period of
unprecedented commercial embarrassments, and in the face of vast natural
obstacles. In its course through Westchester county it crossed twenty-
five streams from twelve to seventy feet below the line of grade, besides
numerous brooks ; and sixteen tunnels through solid rock varied in length
from one hundred and sixty to one thousand two hundred and sixty-three
feet — to say nothing in this connection of the elliptical arch of hewn
granite at Sing Sing and the famous High Bridge over the Harlem river.
The completion of this first aqueduct was enthusiastically celebrated ; an
imposing military and civic procession seven miles in length presented
features eclipsing in gorgeous display, magnitude, and invention, both of
its predecessors — the great federal pageant of 1788 and that of the canal
celebration in 1824.

Although this pioneer aqueduct had capacity for carrying one hun-
dred and fifteen million gallons of water per day, the public long since
found that through the rapid increase of population, the extension of the
city limits, and the growth of the fire department, New York was in immi-
nent peril for the want of more water. Thus a second aqueduct was pro-
jected, which, after an expenditure of twenty-three millions of dollars and
much delay, has finally become an' accomplished fact with a full flowing
capacity of three hundred and eighteen million gallons every twenty-four
hours, and the Park reservoir has actually been filled with water for the
first time in upward of fifteen years. As the day approached for the open-
ing of the new aqueduct, it was generally expected the important event
would be commemorated by a celebration. The newspapers talked about

Vol. XXIV.-No. 3.-11

1 62 THEN AND NOW

it vigorously, and some of them made frequent allusions to what was done
when the first aqueduct was finished. But one or more of the morning
journals questioned the historic statement that an ode was sung on that
occasion in City Hall park, beside the gushing fountain, because, while the
verses are extant, no traces were discovered of any music adapted to them.
We are fortunately prepared to respond with a facsimile of the lost music
— a precious relic — therefore the doubters will henceforward be enlight-
ened. A curiously unique and interesting view of the procession in 1842
is attached to this sheet of music, and it is believed the original now in
possession of the New York Historical Society, from which our illus-
trations are made, is the only copy in existence. The following account
of the Croton jubilee, from the New York Tribune of October 4, 1842,
conveys us back to that period in a very realistic fashion :

" The celebration of this day will long be remembered as second in
importance, and in the splendor and rejoicing by which it was marked,
only to that which heralded the union of the waters of Lake Erie to those
of the Atlantic by the great Erie canal in 1824. The magnitude of the
work, the municipal enterprise by which it has , been so successfully
achieved, and the importance of the object it proposes to secure, alike
commend the construction of the Croton aqueduct to the gratitude of
every class of our citizens. Its benefits will reach every inhabitant of the
city. The poor by its means have brought to their doors, to be enjoyed
without price, the pure water of a beautiful river, sufficient for health,
cleanliness, and all domestic uses. The rich will have better water to
drink than they have ever been able to procure heretofore, and the addi-
tional luxury of baths, fountains, etc. The streets of a crowded metropolis
may be kept clean, free from dust and all foul impurities which have here-
tofore tainted the atmosphere and rendered it most unwholesome. All
classes have cause to rejoice at the completion of this great work ; and all
seemed in reality to feel their obligations, for they poured forth en masse
to share in the rejoicings of the day. Since the funeral procession in
honor of President Harrison, no public display has taken place which will
at all compare with that which has just closed. The whole city was alive
with rejoicing and hilarity, and thousands of strangers from every part of
this and the neighboring states were present to witness the magnificent
ceremonies of the day. . . .

At sunrise one hundred guns were fired, all the bells in the city were
rung, and in less than an hour all the streets and public places were
nearly filled. At nine o'clock the various military companies began to
parade on the Battery, which was crowded with thousands of spectators.

THEN AND NOW

164 THEN AND NOW

In the centre of the Bowling Green a beautiful temporary fountain had
been prepared, constructed of shells and marble images of the Graces,
etc., arranged with great taste, and having eight jets throwing small
streams of water to a height of some twenty feet. All the hotels and
public buildings on Broadway were tastefully decorated with flags,
wreaths, and emblems of all kinds, and arranged with great elegance and
taste. The balconies, windows, porticos, and roofs of all the stores and
dwellings were filled, and thousands upon thousands lined the great
thoroughfares on either side. The procession moved at precisely ten
o'clock. The military display was one of the most brilliant we have ever
seen. The procession was tivo Jwurs and fifteen minutes in passing Niblo's
Garden, where we counted them with as much accuracy as the circum-
stances of the case would allow. Our estimate of the number is as

follows :

Military 2,000

Officials of this and other cities ( 1 ,000

Firemen " 3-5°o

Temperance societies 1 ,500

Mechanics, citizens, etc 4,000

Miscellaneous 3,000

1 5 ,000

Scattered through the extended line were flags, emblems, and mechan-
ical instruments of all kinds. A little boat some eight feet in length was
mounted upon wheels, and in it were seated two little girls and two boys,
some seven or eight years old, tastefully dressed and bearing flags; the
boat was inscribed

The Sisters of Croton Lake

This followed a machine for tapping the Croton water pipes. At the
head of the Typographical society was a most interesting relic just brought
from England by James B. Murray, Esq. It was the identical press upon
which Franklin worked. Colonel Stone, the oldest representative of the
craft, was comfortably seated in a large arm-chair, and presided over the
typographical performances with due grace and dignity. Copies of the
Ode of General Morris were worked off and distributed through the crowd
as the procession moved along the street.

The Croton Ode

[Written at the request of the corporation of the city of New York
by George P. Morris, and sung in front of the Park fountain, by the

THEN AND NOW

I65

{Facsimile 0/ the historic music arranged and adapted to the ode. j

C RA © T 0) !NJ © © E

-vrtTtr-n nt tlU> itijihy*'I t.J-thr (Vl-pra-iilum nt*

AND SUNC IN FRONT OF THE

i£Z7

MRS. STRONC.MISS J PEARSON. MR. J PEARSON. AND

t/te Afemfors oft/ic Wewlvrfc* Vacr&Mmicfm/tft:

— ■ ON THE COMPLETION OF THE CROTON AQ.UE DUCT. OCT 14.1842.

0//7- . -\ .. * 1 - . --< J

SIDNEY PEARSON.

AlVi\lL.'f)/Ms,ier£#/. H/vm/tray NEW YORK

rfrt,rfr r£ ^ff- "ff^rfrf'fff

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THEN AND NOW

167

Wood land fays be side her dancing,

» I 1 1 I K - _ j ^ M

way

1 68

THEN AND NOW

members of the New York Sacred Music Society, on the completion of
the Croton aqueduct.]

' Gushing from yon living fountain,

Music pours a falling strain,
As the Goddess of the Mountain

Comes with all her sparkling train.
From her grotto-springs advancing,

Glittering in her feathery spray,
Woodland fays beside her dancing,

She pursues her winding way.

Gently o'er the rippling water,

In her coral shallop bright,
Glides the rock-king's dove-eyed daughter,

Decked in robes of virgin white.
Nymphs and naiads, sweetly smiling,

Urge her back with pearly hand,
Merrily the sylph beguiling

From the nooks of fairy land.

Swimming on the snow-curled billow,

See the river spirits fair
Lay their cheeks as on a pillow,

With the foam beads in their hair.
Thus attended, hither wending,

Floats the lovely Oread now,
Eden's arch of promise bending

Over her translucent brow.

Hail the wanderer from a far-land !

Bind her flowing tresses up !
Crown her with a fadeless garland,

And with crystal brim the cup.

From her haunts of deep seclusion,
Let Intemp'rance greet her too,

And the heat of his delusion

Sprinkle with this mountain dew.

Water leaps as if delighted,

While her conquered foes retire.
Pale contagion flies affrighted

With the baffled demon Fire.
Water shouts a glad hosanna !

Bubbles up the earth to bless !
Cheers it like the precious manna

In the barren wilderness.

Water shouts a glad hosanna !

Bubbles up the earth to bless !
Cheers it like the precious manna

In the barren wilderness.
Here we wondering gaze assembled,

Like the grateful Hebrew band,
When the hidden fountain trembled,

And obeyed the prophet's wand.

Round the aqueducts of story,

As the mists of Lethe throng,
Croton's waves in all their glory

Troop in melody along.
Ever sparkling, bright, and single

Will this rock-ribbed stream appear,
When posterity shall mingle

Like the gathered waters here.'

The emblems of the temperance societies in the procession attracted
especial attention. One lad carried a white banner with an upset decanter
upon it, and this inscription, ' RIGHT SIDE UP.' A large car bore an old-
fashioned well-sweep, with its bucket, and a man drawing water very
vigorously and distributing it to those on the car with him. The butchers
were out in great force with white aprons and striped sleeves. They had
two large cars covered with bleating sheep, calves, and other animals —
with flags displaying the names of all the principal markets in the city,
and the stuffed skin of a tremendous ox.

Presently there came a carriage with the miller and his men upon it.

THEN AND NOW 169

A little boy bestrode a hobby-horse with his grist beneath him, and some
half dozen men with white clothes well floured surrounded the mill. A
miniature steam-engine in full play followed, puffing of! steam and leav-
ing its trail of smoke. . . .

But we despair of presenting any adequate description of this great
procession. It was one of the largest and best arranged ever got up in
this city. Throughout the day all the great streets were crowded to suffo-
cation, and it is no exaggeration to say that at least two hundred thousand
persons were spectators of the ceremonies."

At twenty minutes before two o'clock P. M., his honor the mayor, the
members of the common council, foreign consuls, and invited guests took
their stations in front of the city hall, which presented a most animated
spectacle. The troops then passed in review, followed by other portions
of the procession, and at half past four o'clock the grand marshal intro-
duced the orator of the day.

The address of Samuel Stevens (the orator of the day), president of
the board of water commissioners, on delivering over the great work, and
the reply of Hon. John L. Lawrence, were the literary features of the
occasion. The ladies and gentlemen of the Sacred Music Society then
took their stations on the platform and sang the Croton Ode.

With three cheers the great throng dispersed, and thus ended the mag-
nificent Croton celebration.

The mayor, common council, distinguished citizens, and invited guests
proceeded to partake of a cold collation in the city hall, where Croton
water and lemonade were the only beverages served.

There is a slight tinge of silent irony in the contrast between the cere-
monies of turning the Croton water into the old and the new aqueducts —
the second occasion nearly fifty well-rounded years after the first. The
New York Tribune said on the morning of July 15, 1890, " There will be
no celebration in connection with what is really an event in the history of
the city ; and perhaps it is just as well. No speech-making or fire-works
could add to the significance of the simple fact that New York is to have
henceforth enough water and to spare."

In the course of the forenoon of that day, Mayor Hugh J. Grant met
the aqueduct commissioners at their rooms in the Stewart Building,
where the following resolution was adopted : " Resolved, That as our
citizens enjoy to-day, by the utilization of the new aqueduct for the first
time, the benefits of an undertaking which stands an unparalleled monu-

170 THEN AND NOW

ment to engineering skill, and which in every way contributes to our city's
health and welfare, the members of this commission warmly congratulate
the public of the city of New York upon the virtual fruition of an enter-
prise of such incalculable magnitude and merit."

The remaining exercises were not of the kind to create excitement. It
was expected that the mayor of the great city would appear at the proper
place in the Park and compel the Croton by the " turn of a knob," or
something equally worthy of record, to send its floods roaring through
the mammoth pipes ; but when he arrived the water was before him — the
current had already been dashing and splashing through the sluices for
eight hours. The New York Sun humorously said : " The torrent was
there on time, but not the officials, and so even the unceremonious cere-
monial of the day was unceremoniously abated. If the commissioners
had not insisted on arriving in all the state which attends upon a stage,
and had gone direct to the Ninety-third street station of the elevated
road instead of to the Fifty-eighth street station, the proceedings at the
gate-house would have filled several more pages of history."

The voices of many waters were indeed the only eloquent voices
raised in welcoming the new supply, the importance of which no one
should underestimate because of the inglorious character of its reception.
Some one asked the mayor " if he was not going to make a speech or do
something? " He replied in the negative. He was present with the other
civic dignitaries to observe the foaming flood, not to assist in making
municipal history. The long-expected water comes at a time when it is
desperately needed, and the supply is said to be " at least four times as
great as ever before." It is believed the storage system may eventually
be so increased as to render the full resources of the Croton water-shed
available. The Central Park reservoir holds one billion gallons of water.
The dividing wall of masonry which separates the east basin from the west
is three feet under the surface when this tremendous capacity is achieved.
That partition has not been out of sight since 1877, but if all goes well it
will be submerged before September 1, 1890. Much of the tremendous
energy of the first rush of the freed flood was spent in an hour ortwro after
the gates were lifted, when it settled into a steady flow of about forty mil-
lion gallons a day. One needs only to examine the maps and trace the
new aqueduct through nearly twoscore miles of solid masonry to appreci-
ate the extent and value of the great work. Its completion is as notable
an event in the history of America as that of its predecessor, even without
the ringing of bells, the banging of cannon, or speech-making, and the
whole country is profoundly grateful.

THE SELF-MADE LORD TIMOTHY DEXTER

Americans are fond of talking about self-made men, usually applying
the term to such as have obtained education and taken high position with
out the uplifting power of money or influence. But we have an example
in the far-famed Timothy Dexter of a native American who made himself
a lord simply by assuming the high-sounding title, and, strange as it may
seem to us of this generation, he was called " Lord Timothy Dexter " by
his contemporaries of all classes henceforward to the end of his extraor-
dinary and inglorious career in 1806. He won an enduring celebrity, while
many a really good, useful, and distinguished citizen of his time has been
forgotten. Numerous prominent men have lived in Newburyport, Massa-
chusetts, "yet," writes one of its residents, "the home of no one else is
so frequently asked for by strangers in that city ; and in all parts of the
country, when the writer has spoken of residing there the first exclamation
has been : ' Ah ! that was the home of Lord Timothy Dexter.' '

Such was the notoriety of this unimportant personage that Samuel L.
Knapp (who knew him), a graduate of Dartmouth college in 1804, a lawyer
and one of the best-known literary men of his day, found it expedient to
write and publish the Life of Dexter, a book that was so popular it went
through several editions, and which is now an exceedingly rare little tome.
It was laden with anecdotes, some of which the author was careful to explain
might have been made up by the ingenious; " but still there were enough
very well authenticated, " he said, "to throw some light on the idiosyn-
crasies of the human mind." These stories have been much repeated, and
are still fresh and amusing, particularly that of Dexter's sending warming-
pans to the West Indies and selling them for skimmers. This eccentric
personage accumulated considerable property, and it was curiously be-
lieved that he made his money by foolish speculations that always turned
out well — in short, that while vastly deficient in common-sense he was
the creature of good luck.

He had learned the trade of a leather-dresser, and in 1768, at the age
of twenty-one, commenced business for himself in Charlestown, Massachu-
setts, which then had a monopoly of the secret of dressing sheepskins,
goat and deer skins, making them so elastic and soft as to produce a deli-
cate material for ladies' shoes. He was industrious and soon became thrifty.
When Charlestown was burned at the beginning of the Revolution he

172 THE SELF-MADE LORD TIMOTHY DEXTER

moved away, but continued his work in the neighborhood — the particular
town Knapp does not name. He married a widow nine years older than
himself, who had some property and who added to the income of the family
by keeping a huckster shop until Dexter had laid by several thousand dol-
lars in specie, which he was not averse to investing properly. From the
peace of 1783 until after the adoption of the Constitution it is well known
that the old continental money was greatly depreciated in value. The
securities issued in Massachusetts, which had for awhile kept public confi-
dence alive in that quarter, became so worthless that the distressed holders,
who had received nothing else for their seven years' service in the army,
were forced to sell them for any price they could get. Beginning as a
matter of benevolence — partly to oblige friends, and with a view to keep
up the public confidence — Governor Hancock, and Thomas Russell one of
the most eminent merchants in Boston, purchased from time to time many
of these securities. Following their example, and probably having more
hard money in hand than the greater part of his neighbors, Dexter went
and did likewise. Knapp says he unquestionably had better opportunities
for buying in small quantities than the Boston celebrities, and doubtless
made much better bargains. He could live as he had done on the results
of his industry, and wait until the government could pay — which he was
led to believe was a good time soon coming. When Hamilton's funding
system went into operation the government securities brought their par
value and Dexter became a rich man.

So much interest centres about our old continental paper currency,
that we are earnestly requested to reproduce in fac-simile one of those
Massachusetts loan certificates, which bears the autograph of Timothy
Dexter. The original parchment is yellow with age, but it has the genuine
texture of the period, and it' has also a little newspaper clipping pinned
to it descriptive of Lord Dexter. That he dealt considerably in these
securities there is abundant evidence. A prominent gentleman in Boston
writes: " I have had a number of the certificates in my collection, and the
amount of them of various dates was quite large ; also twenty or more
documents from the loan orifice certifying deposits he had made to the
loan office of the United States. In fact, Dexter was not so ' big a fool '
as many persons took him for. His want of learning did not overpower
his sagacity and his shrewd discernment."

But in attempting to parade his wealth before the world, the simplicity
and eccentricities of Dexter first attracted public attention. Being a rich
man he thought it necessary to live and act like other rich men. He
attempted imitation with ludicrous results. He must first be a lord, he

THE SELF-MADE LORD TIMOTHY DEXTER

173

thought, and all other joys would come after, and he was greatly aston-
ished that he was not immediately courted and feted by the best society.
He continued to do business; some say that he worked at leather-dressing
for awhile in Newburyport, which is quite possible, but he certainly
engaged in numerous commercial ventures. His traffic was chiefly to the
West Indies and to Europe, and he sent adventurers to the East Indies
and made them profitable. He often availed himself of the suggestions
of those who thought they were koaxinghim, to his pecuniary advantage.
At one time he was told that it might pay to buy up all the whalebone in

Jfo»-

BOtUn Che OOiri year of h,5 age,

L0KDBEXTEB7

Whoae lingular ena™

raudeeteurtcb

TJO- €BG^ COMMISSIONERS OF F I C E. £./ QcJUTbUl £\ 0

RECEIVED op NATHANIEL APPLETON,

COMMISSIONER of LOANS in the STATE of MASSACHUSETTS.

e properly,

,iirsao,froroan unknown >
rieiti 'hat we w-glil-1-"

Thocjh any thing of this

the following Certificates ofPONDED DEBT, viz,

One Certificate bearing Intereft at/* per Cent, per Annum from the firft day of January 1791
payable quarter yearly, and redeemable by Payments not exceeding in one year the Proportion
Eight Dollars upon a hundred on account of Principal and Intereft.

One Certificate bearing the like Intereft from the £rft day of January i8oi-,-'arrd
redeemed in like

nf Novrmocr 1800, which, w a* Bwwii
■ ■■' ' ' '
,,,,.,, iMofhody liavernoie "■"> oji
I My tie goat Nerves head A « a,, 1 tlu
grav'l for "many yea" and I Cant he rj<
Sid «. very tok%g [wife ar;™ " near*
:lwish tobe»riir»ndl.e mas:.:
Lnd hmfore It i> Rite fo^{.^ £rmi£
co Leave the hooafoolly ani) Jewish for one
S^SSrJ horn keeper very-Jgoa .and , Ajn,
khat know me wfll kr.ow woaEkind ol wo
SS will Done Now 1 wm.iy^hat. k.nd A
fiaSoS one from thimywfortey.x8.50if

l«A a ttoii ttlM mine r*ol ojatc e>cj

Jo£ ««> and >ow .bonnier**
Keaneioa. to order to ha.e £.«»£■¥

and Comtly BO I 6W

«h» 10 be Went

• le family the people
tlbe best of hellh to
6a«m aid. If one P^^^.jnffinffftfl
EueSrS m«not lea than the wage,

upon the 'trickesthonner . .1

Ears? jggggg

One Certificate bearing" Intereft at fArw per Cent, per Annum, from the firft day of January 179 1
payable quarter yearly, arid redeemable at the plea/ore Of the United .States.

"i
r.i,w.b,j 1 lite j ^

\ n

CT~ / cl s~\ »*»•*■ SO 6.%i

Amounting in the whole to /^^it^^^VfeeV^tJ^/Ap S£W2W-».

CZlvo^^ tr*~^t^C&**3&

being in full of the Certificates of Public "Debt-contained* ift a Statement of thir-jDate, Numbered 9^
for which I have f.gned Duplicate Receipts, ^yn^fo (^^t^'

MASSACHUSETTS LOAN CERTIFICATES, WITH LORD DEXTER S SIGNATURE.

the market, and he did so. His workmen laughed at his stupidity, but he
said, " Never mind." In a short time it was found he had a monopoly
of the article and could command his own price for it. This led him to
inquire frequently for something that was scarce, that he might buy it all
up ; he made quite a speculation in opium on one occasion in this way.
Shrewd merchants became suspicious of selling him an article, apprehen-
sive that it was almost a sure sign that it was going to rise, while they
could see no reason for it. Our Boston correspondent has had papers in
his collection relating to the purchases of wool by Dexter. At the same
time the exaggerated stories he himself started, of having had nine tons
of silver at one time on his hands, and of having bought three hundred

174

THE SELF-MADE LORD TIMOTHY DEXTER

and forty tons of whalebone, and of sending out forty-two thousand warm-
ing-pans, and twenty-one thousand Bibles to the West Indies, filling an im-
mense fleet of vessels, reads like the monstrous fable he evidently intended.
He bought one of the finest houses in Newburyport, which through
the failure of its owner he obtained at a very low price, and fitted it up
for a palace. It had been occupied by a gentleman of taste, was admirably
situated, and ten acres of grounds were highly cultivated about the mansion
with flowers and trees after the most approved European method. Dex-
ter found opportunity, however, for improvements. He adorned the roof
with minarets surmounted with gilt balls ; and presently he erected some

VIEW OF THE PALACE OF LORD TIMOTHY DEXTER, NEWBURYPORT.

{From an antique print .]

forty columns fifteen feet high in the front of the edifice, each having on
its top a statue of some distinguished man. On an arch occupying the
most prominent position were colossal figures of Washington, Adams,
and Jefferson — Washington standing in the centre. Among the other
images were those of Franklin, William Pitt, Bonaparte, George IV., Lord
Nelson, General Morgan, the Goddess of Liberty, an Indian chief, a
traveling preacher, and several lions. These were all carved in wood and
gaudily painted, and with little merit as works of art, and less as likenesses,
they attracted crowds of the curious. Dexter often changed the names of
his heroes : the Franklin of yesterday might become the Bonaparte of to-
day, or the William Pitt of to-morrow, according to the fickle fancy of the
noble lord. In a conspicuous place among the great men whom he

THE SELF-MADE LORD TIMOTHY DEXTER

175

[Printed from an old steel plate which has been preserved in Boston.}

delighted to honor, his own statue was erected, and having already con-
ferred the title of lord upon himself he labeled his column, / am the
greatest man in the East.

Ranking himself with the nobility, Dexter imported elegant articles

176 THE SELF-MADE LORD TIMOTHY DEXTER

from France with which to furnish his house, and hung the walls with
paintings obtained in Europe, some of which were very good ; and being
told that no gentleman could possibly flourish without a library he pro-
vided his establishment with a large quantity of handsomely bound books,
which were, however, scattered through every apartment, while the great
unwieldy bookcases were left half filled and their doors on the swing.
Of course he must have a grand coach with a coat-of-arms painted upon
it, and a span of beautiful cream.-colored horses. This equipage for a
time gave him exquisite pleasure, for whenever he appeared on the street
with it the boys shouted, " Hurrah for Lord Dexter and his horses!" He
bought a country seat at Chester, New Hampshire, and for a time called
himself " Lord of Chester." When the news of the death of Louis XVI.
reached Boston, Dexter was there. V He hurried to Newburyport and
caused all the church-bells of the town to be tolled, which very much
startled the inhabitants as it was early in the evening. The selectmen
soon stopped the bells. But Dexter had gained his point. Then he sent
out invitations to the survivors of the royal family to become his guests.
In expectation of their acceptance he laid in a large stock of provisions,
which rose in value on his hands — an act of Providence, he said, to reward
him for his good intentions, but according to the popular idea another
instance of his unfailing and marvelous good luck.

He had a tomb constructed in his garden, and caused a coffin to be
made of mahogany, with silver handles, expensively lined, and this he kept
in his house and often displayed it to his guests. Mr. William Cleaves
Todd speaks of knowing a gentleman who remembers when a boy looking
in at the window to see it. After the tomb had been prepared Dexter
thought he would have a mock funeral. He persuaded his wife, daughter,
and son to acquiesce, and sent cards to certain persons in the town to
attend the funeral. A wag was procured to officiate as clergyman, read
the burial service, and pronounce the eulogy. The procession moved to
the garden vault, the coffin was deposited, and the door locked. Dexter
watched the proceedings from an upper window to see how the people
were affected. He was well satisfied with everything except the lack of
grief exhibited by his wife, who did not act her part in the ceremony !
She never shed a tear! And he insisted she ought to have cried to think
it was not a reality. The assembled mourners were afterward treated to a
sumptuous entertainment, where the choicest wines flowed swiftly. Dex-
ter had become by this time excessively dissipated, the natural result of
his wealth and leisure. Henceforward many of his queer performances
were but the pranks of a drunkard.

THE SELF-MADE LORD TIMOTHY DEXTER

177

Having heard that the kings
cf England had a poet laureate
to sing their praises, Dexter
secured one for himself, with the
unpoctical name of Jonathan
Plummer, whom he equipped
in a suit of black livery orna-
mented with stars, and who
wrote a number of poems in
praise of his lordship and then
traveled around the country
trying to sell them ! The fol-
lowing is a specimen :

" The images around him stand,
For they were made by his com-
mand,
Looking to see Lord Dexter come,
With fix-ed eyes they see him home.

Lord Dexter, like King Solomon,
Hath gold and silver by the ton,
And bells to churches he hath given
To worship the great king of heaven ."

A PICKLE, ETC.

like taking a stone out of a rock. This it
from a minister. Now why wont you be-
lieve me as well.

APPENDIX.

The follering peases are not my Riting
but very drole Timothy Dexter

[Here follott> in the original edition, a few pages apparently
made up of extracts from the nowspapers of the day ; but as
their merits in point of originality, although M very drole,"
are not eaual to the drollery of Lord Timothy himself; we have
thought it best to omit tbem.]

[Note, to Dexter 's Sepond Edition.]

foudeir mister printer the No wing one*
complane of my pook the fust edition had
no stops I put in A Nuf here and thay may
peper and solt it as they plese

,., ..„M!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -

„MM.--M.tt »..,„!!!!!!!!!!!!

«if «• •««!{

CONCLUDING PAGE OF " PICKLE FOR THE KNOWING ONES.

[An exact facsimile]

Finally Lord Dexter decided
that he must himself become an
author, and he therefore wrote a
quaint little book entitled Pickle
for the Knowing Ones, or Plain
truths in homespun Dress. 1 1 con-
tained some sense and much

nonsense, and, whether purposely or otherwise, he jumbled all he had to
say together without any punctuation ; the inference is that there was
method in his madness — for he would not allow his printer to use any
punctuation. He had thousands of copies printed and gave them away,
and such was the demand that it was several times reprinted and is now
very rare. It is thought by those who have exercised ordinary judgment
in the matter, that Dexter was flattered by the pestering of the inquisi-
tive who were continually asking him how he made his money, and
thought it would be a huge joke to increase their wonder. He un-
doubtedly intended the whole yarn as a hoax, never dreaming that any

Vol. XXIV.— No. 3.-ia

178 THE SELF-MADE LORD TIMOTHY DEXTER

sane person would believe it. We reproduce in fac-simile — as a curiosity
— the concluding page of the second edition of Dexter's Pickle for the
Knowing Ones, in the exact size of the original, with the punctuation as
thrown in for the reader to help himself.

It is interesting in this connection to quote briefly from an article by
John H. Lewis, published in the Newburyport Herald in the year 188 1,
who is firmly of the opinion that instead of being a fool Dexter fooled the
community most effectually. He says Dexter was an intelligent, shrewd,
and careful merchant, but truly eccentric, honest, strictly honest, and very
benevolent. " There have been many better men in Newburyport, but cer-
tainly there have been many, very many, in no respect as good as Timothy
Dexter. In a long series of years Dexter was uniformly successful, and in
all his little business transactions with, people around him he always knew
how to take care of his interests. His generosity was in the main judicious.
He offered to pave High street if it could be called after his name, and we
think he was a far less fool to make the offer than the town in declining it.
Up to this date the street is unpaved, with only partial sidewalks, and the
people have been obliged to walk for three-quarters of a century through
mud for their folly. ' What's in a name? ' He was very vain, and spent
thousands of dollars to gratify his vanity, just as men now spend thousands
to go to congress with no fitness for such a position, and in many ways
make a foolish display of wealth gained with less apparent wisdom than
Dexter displayed. In all probability Dexter gained the most of his money
by buying up continental money, as did John Hancock and many others.
It is a proof of his wisdom that if he wanted fame he knew how to get it,
for of all the men that have lived in Newburyport he has been most talked
about. Of the strangers of our own country who visit our city ten ask for
the house where Dexter lived to one who asks for the homes of all others.
Englishmen always want to see Whitefield's bones. Old men talked about
Dexter's images to their children, and children's children, while hardly a
word is said of Judge Parsons and his house on Green street, though he
was one of the greatest lawyers our country ever produced. Personally
Dexter is of small consequence, but it is a matter of some interest to know
if a whole community can be successfully hoaxed by one regarded by them
as a fool."

^^^ ?/c7/W&v£&£.

THE RIFLE IN COLONIAL TIMES

It is not known who first discovered the advantages of cutting spiral
grooves in the bores of gun-barrels for shooting ball. The common story
goes that one Caspar Zollner of Vienna began to make a peculiar kind of
weapon toward the close of the fifteenth century. His gun had straight
channels cut in its bore from breech to muzzle, which received the burnt
residue of powder and thus admitted a more tightly fitting bullet than
could be used in other pieces. The windage was reduced by this con-
trivance, and the bullet was given a truer direction because it had no play
in the barrel. Such weapons are said to have been used in public for the
first time in 1498 at a shooting match in Leipsic. Spiral grooving, or
rifling proper, is supposed to have soon followed from the endeavor of
some smith to give a bullet the same -whirling motion that steadies a well-
feathered arrow in its flight. Unfortunately the original authorities for
this Zollner story cannot now be traced, and there are other legends that
would give the credit of discovery to other experimenters, though they
agree in this — that the inventor of rifling was a German.

Most writers on the history of firearms are content to let the matter
rest here, but better evidence than that of tradition points to a different
origin for our first instrument of precision. In an inventory of the for-
tress of Guastalla near Parma, dated 28 July, 1476, there has been found
the following macaronic entry :

" It en sclopetus unus ferri f actus a lumaga." The last word is Milanese
dialect for lumaca, a snail, and the phrase a lumaga is applied to anything
convoluted like the shell of a snail ; hence the literal meaning of this
entry is, " Also one iron gun made with a helix/' or twist like that of a
snail-shell.

Such a description is unmistakable, and whether the arm was made
in Italy or elsewhere shows at least that Zollner's straight grooves were
behind the times. That it was made in Italy seems likely from the fact of
its being there already a score of years before rifling is claimed to have
been invented elsewhere. Moreover, we may remember that some of the
finest specimens of sixteenth-century rifles surviving in museums are of
Italian workmanship. Marksmen there were, too, on the southern slope
of the Alps who were famous at an early day. Even a German prince,
Frederick III. of Brandenburg, attached a corps of Piedmontese riflemen

l8o THE RIFLE IN COLONIAL TIMES

to his army, and employed them at the siege of Bonn to pick off officers
and prevent reconnoitring. So it may well be that the curious gun of
Guastalla was made by some smith hard by, though it by no means follows
that he invented the form of bore called a liunaga. From what we know
of the history of inventions generally, and of the trade routes of the middle
ages, it seems not improbable that rifled arms, like gunpowder itself, may
have been introduced from the east, say by Venetian travelers. A like
supposition crosses one's mind when handling one of those queer arms
that are still made in Asia Minor, muzzle-loading, flint-locked, built upon
a plan that was never suggested or modified by western ideas yet rifled.

However this may be, it remains true that rifle-shooting as an art has
flourished first and last in Teutonic countries. From the time of its first
appearance in Europe the rifle was seriously experimented with by Ger-
man mechanics and sharpshooters, whose skill and perseverance combined
to make it more than an interesting toy. It was peculiarly a moun-
taineer's weapon ; and Germans, then as now, held the great highland fast-
nesses of central Europe.

But why was a grooved bore better than a smooth one for the chamois-
hunter's gun ? If greater accuracy and efficiency are imparted to a bullet
by causing it to spin like a top, why did not all whose trade was war or
hunting take to rifled arms at once ? It is time to state briefly the chief
points of difference between the rival systems.

Down almost to our civil war the armies of Christendom were equipped
with a smooth-bored musket known among English soldiers as " Old Brown
Bess." Save for the alteration from flint-lock to percussion-lock there was
no essential change in this gun for a century and a half. Brown Bess
used a charge of one hundred and twenty-five grains of powder and a
four hundred and ninety grain ball, so that eleven rounds weighed about
a pound. The bullet was several sizes smaller than the bore, to facili-
tate loading, and hence the loss of power was excessive. For accuracy
the arm could not be depended upon beyond sixty or seventy yards,
comparing in this respect very unfavorably with an Indian's bow and
arrow. Indeed, Benjamin Franklin went so far as to advise arming the
continental line with bows instead of muskets. Yet the old smooth-bore
had its good points too. Being strong and uncomplicated it was service-
able under almost any amount of hard usage or neglect ; it was cheap and
could be quickly made ; the clumsiest dolt could make a noise with it or
wield a bayonet from its muzzle.

A German rifle of the latter part of the seventeenth century used only
about a fourth of the musket cartridge for a charge, not only economizing

THE RIFLE IN COLONIAL TIMES l8l

ammunition but allowing more rounds to be carried on the person. The
bullet fitted so tightly that but little gas escaped before it, thus utilizing
almost the full power of the powder. The spinning bullet flew with such
precision as to make sure of a man's hand at a hundred paces, of his head
at a hundred and fifty, and of his breast at two hundred. But it took
time and muscle to force the naked bullet down through the grooves, espe-
cially when the barrel was foul from repeated firing. It was necessary
to keep the bore scrupulously clean when not in actual use, as a little rust-
ing would ruin it. None but expert mechanics could make good rifles,
which were always expensive and could not be turned out in large quanti-
ties to meet an emergency. Finally the rifle demanded a higher order of
intelligence in its user than was needed to simply poke or stab.

In hunting timid game among the mountains, where a day's stalking
might be rewarded by only one momentary glimpse of deer or chamois,
accuracy of fire at long range was of the first importance, and any expedi-
ent for saving ammunition would be appreciated by him who had to carry
it. So it would seem that rifled arms would commend themselves at first
trial to the Alpine hunter, and we may be sure that he would not be the
man to grudge the care needful to keep such instruments in order. One
does not love the club with which he killed a snake, nor is it likely that
affection was ever lavished upon old Brown Bess, but the son of famous
bowmen could not find his skill coaxed by the rifle's latent powers without
feeling for the weapon an artist's pride and attachment.

On the other hand, military conservatism could see nothing good in the
new invention. Occasional exchange of missiles between regular troops
and Swiss or Tyrolean hunters may have given the tacticians a new sen-
sation, and ordnance boards, prodded by public opinion, may have carried
out some half-hearted experiments to test the rifle's qualities as a military
arm, but prejudice in favor of brute strength and cold steel was too deep
to be easily uprooted. Gunpowder had never been in favor with the official
class, which was lineally descended from those mediaeval knights in armor
who were thrown to the dust by firearms in the hands of peasants. The
humiliation of that encounter was never forgiven, and may account in part
for the fact that improvements in weapons of war have since been mostly the
work of civilians. It was unprofessional to encourage such vile and demo-
cratic arts. So the rifle won no friends at court, and war continued to be
a rather innocent amusement when fought beyond arm's length. It was
enough to condemn it that the deer-stalker's gun was slow and hard to load
or that common soldiers must be specially trained to use and care for it.

Yet the practical genius of American backwoodsmen had adapted the

1 82 THE RIFLE IN COLONIAL TIMES

rifle to military requirements a century before it came into general use.
Our hunters were also soldiers, from boyhood to old age, and the same
weapon that procured them food in the forest was their protection against
the deadliest of human foes. Instead of forcing a naked bullet down
through the grooves, they used a ball somewhat smaller than the bore and
covered it with a greased patch of linen or thin buckskin, which cleaned
the barrel and acted as a gas-check, increasing the accuracy of the piece
while at the same time it prevented leading. When hard pressed the
American would drop an undersized bullet into his gun without using a
patch, a blow on the stock would prime the flint-lock, and he could deliver
as many as five or six shots in a minute, all effective at short range.

On reflection it will not seem strange that the use of rifled, arms did
not spread gradually from central Europe outward, but skipped from the
Alps to the Alleghanies. The same qualities that recommended the
grooved barrel to German hunters, its superior accuracy and economy of
ammunition, appealed with far greater force to our pioneers in the mid-
dle and southern colonies. It was required of these latter that they fight
with tactics not laid down in books, and military precedents were no check
upon their inventiveness. They struggled along without organization,
often single-handed, under such conditions of forest war that generally
everything depended upon the first blow, the first shot. The. way to sup-
ply-stations was a weary one, and often impassable, while long expedi-
tions were undertaken on foot with no outfit save what was carried on the
person. Success was due partly to pluck, partly to gumption, partly to
plasticity of habit ; but also due in no small measure to the rifle, which in
their hands was sparing of lead and prodigal in shedding blood.

The advantage of superior weapons came to our pioneers at a critical
period in history, for the v/hite man was not at home on this continent
until he had won the Atlantic watershed. European colonists could hover
along the coast, saved from extermination by their skill at sea ; but com-
merce was peripheral, production stinted, and no separate nationality
possible, until the rich valleys of the interior were opened to settlement
and the long Appalachian frontier was picketed by a race that could hold
its own. The first Americans were they who dared enter the wilderness,
and could stay there and thrive without foreign aid. It becomes, then,
of some consequence to learn how the rifle came to America, and when.

It may as well be said at once that recent histories of the colonial
period are apt to be careless in the use of the term " rifle," making it a
convenient synonym for " gun," and often commit startling anachronisms
by putting rifles in the hands of men who never heard of such a weapon.

THE RIFLE IN COLONIAL TIMES 1 83

The only evidence of any use to us is that of contemporary documents,
or of the few surviving rifles themselves that have an authenticated his-
tory running back into colonial times. The conquest of New England and
of the Atlantic coast generally was accomplished with match-lock, wheel-
lock, or flint-lock muskets. Guns used by the Puritans may still be seen
in the museums of historical societies. They are ponderous tubes, six
feet long or more in the barrel alone, and too heavy to fire from the
shoulder without a rest. Rifles were practically unknown in New Eng-
land before the Revolution. Perhaps here and there one may have hung
above a Yankee fireplace, but, if so, they were as exceptional as the three-
shot and five-shot repeaters which some of Frontenac's people used
against the Iroquois in 1690.

It is true that British officers attributed their repulse at Bunker Hill
to the American rifles, which were " peculiarly adapted to take off the
officers of a whole line as it marches to an attack." Others declared that
each provincial rifleman was attended by two men to load for him, so that
the marksman had nothing to do but fire as fast as a piece was put in his
hand ; " and this is the real cause of so many of our brave officers falling,
they being singled out by these murderers, as they must appear to be in
the eyes of every thinking man." We have reasons, however, for not
accepting such testimony in evidence. Friends in England were pressing
for explanation, and it was no time for fine distinctions. There were sent
home stories of poisoned bullets, of air guns, and of rifle-balls slit almost
into quarters, which, when fired from grooved barrels, flew into pieces and
did great execution. It was a British officer who fathered the report,
gravely published in London newspapers, that " the reason why the royal
army killed so very few of the rebels in proportion to the number his
Majesty lost at the battle of Bunker's Hill was entirely owing to an un-
fortunate mistake in some who had the care of the artillery ; in the hurry
of their proceedings they took with them by mistake a prodigious num-
ber of twelve-pound shot for six-pound field-pieces. Hence it naturally
required a great while to ram down such disproportioned shot, nor did
they when discharged fly with that velocity and true direction they would
have done had they been better suited to the size of the cannon."

It goes without saying that many of our militia at Bunker Hill were
excellent shots. Putnam exclaimed to his troops as the enemy ap-
proached : " Men, you are all marksmen ! " — but coupled this with his
famous order: " Wait till you see the white of their eyes," which would
have belied his words had the men been armed with rifles. Stark's New
Hampshire regiment was recruited from backwoodsmen who knew the

1 84 THE RIFLE IN COLONIAL TIMES

habits of big game and of Indians. Some had served in the French war
with Rogers, whose rangers are said to have been able, every man of
them, to hit a mark the size of a dollar at a hundred yards. Such ex-
traordinary shooting could, of course, only be done with rifles ; but Rogers
never speaks of rifles in his Journal, though often mentioning his " fusee,"
" gun," or " firelock." On the whole it seems safe to conclude that rifles
were not used in the war for independence until hunters from Pennsyl-
vania and Virginia began to make them terrible at the siege of Boston.
For some years before the war England had been full of stories about the
skill of our backwoodsmen in shooting with the rifle, and this was held up
as a menace in case of disruption. \

A minister of the Church of England wrote from Maryland to the
Earl of Dartmouth in 1775 that " Rifles, infinitely better than those im-
ported, are daily made in many places in Pennsylvania, and all the gun-
smiths everywhere constantly employed. In this country, my lord, the
boys, as soon as they can discharge a gun, frequently exercise themselves
therewith, some a fowling and others a hunting. The great quantities of
game, the many kinds, and the great privileges of killing making the
Americans the best marksmen in the world, and thousands support their
families by the same, particularly riflemen on the frontiers, whose objects
are deer and turkeys. In marching through woods one thousand of these
riflemen would cut to pieces ten thousand of your best troops." Reports
of this kind would be received in England as applying to all the colonists
alike, and it follows that when the royal troops charged Prescott's re-
doubts they expected to face the fire of sharpshooters. As a matter of
fact, only a small percentage of Americans were accustomed to rifle-shoot-
ing, and few if any of these were present at Bunker Hill. In New
England and all along the coast, wherever population was comparatively
dense, the only shooting to be had was at feathered game or rodents, and
farmers owned nothing more formidable than shot-guns, while townsmen
fired salutes on training-day from provincial muskets. It was only in the
backwoods, along the frontier that vaguely set apart white-man's land
from Indian's land, where the settler was more hunter than farmer, that
rifles were known, and made, and used. In that region all other kinds of
firearms had been discarded long before the Revolution.

In 1683 a little flock of Westphalians arrived at Philadelphia and
founded Germantown. Within the next thirty years many thousands of
Germans from the Rhine countries and Switzerland fled from persecution
at home and settled in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland,
Virginia, and North Carolina. Success attended the persevering efforts

THE RIFLE IN COLONIAL TIMES 185

of the fugitives. Their numbers were swelled by constant accessions
from abroad as well as by the natural increase of a prolific race, until the
older colonists became alarmed lest German customs and dialects should
overwhelm them. Pennsylvania was the focus of this immigration, which
always pushed well beyond tide-water and was particularly attracted by
the fertile limestone belts at the foot of the Alleghanies. Central Penn-
sylvania is to-day mostly in the possession of descendants of Palatines
and Swiss, now known by the inaccurate and ill-sounding name of " Penn-
sylvania Dutch." Their strange patois is still current among the country-
folk. From this centre the early Germans spread westward and south-
ward, crossing the mountains or sending a steady stream of colonization
down the Blue Ridge into western Maryland and Virginia. They never
turned backward into New England, nor did Germans from abroad found
colonies in that region, with the sole exception of one little settlement in
Maine, which was not recruited and finally died out. Thus it happened
that the Appalachian border was guarded by German-speaking pioneers,
who planted the rich tracts of what was then the interior and began to
make the middle colonies quite self-sustaining. To the extreme westward
fringe of the German settlements pushed a still bolder but less thrifty
people, the Scotch-Irish, who traded with the Indians, took the lead in
border war, and sought pathways into the mysterious west. The steady
industry of the Germans made each conquest permanent, while they
supplied all the border with the best of home-made rifles for hunting
or war.

It was a matter of course that Alpine hunters emigrating to the
wilds of a new country should bring with them each his faithful
" Biichse," and that the manifest superiority of these weapons should
open a market for German rifles and then stimulate the manufacture of
similar ones in America. Watson says that between 1700 and 1710 one
Anthony Klincken, a Hollander of Germantown, " purchased a German
Yager [Jagerbiichse] celebrated for shooting," and won notoriety for his
success in field-sports. Again he says, " Old Mr. W., in 1718 or 1720, shot
a stout deer between Germantown and Philadelphia, and the rifle he used
is now in possession of his grandson." One of the mightiest hunters
and Indian-fighters of colonial times was Edward Marshall, who made
the " great walk" for the Penns in 1737. The rifle which Marshall carried
is still preserved unaltered and in excellent condition by one of his descend-
ants. Marshall sent to Germany for the barrel and lock because he
could not at that time get them in America to suit him, and had the parts
mounted afterward. This piece is of unusual calibre, carrying an ounce

1 86 THE RIFLE IN COLONIAL TIMES

ball. It is said that Marshall killed thirteen hundred deer with it, besides
other game, and unnumbered Indians. .

It was not long before better rifles were being made in Pennsylvania
than could be procured abroad. The most important supply-station for
the Alleghany border was Lancaster, Pennsylvania, which was settled by
Swiss Mennonites, became a centre of colonization for fugitives from
the fatherland, and soon grew to be the largest town of the interior. It
was here that rifle-making on a large scale was first practiced in America.
Rupp says that the first gunsmith in Lancaster county was Martin Meylin,
a Switzer, who erected what he calls a boring-mill in 17 19. Other early
gunsmiths in this neighborhood were/ Philip Le Fevre, Henry Albright, and
John Vondersmith, but no other maker of arms in colonial times became
so well known as William Henry. In 1744, when Henry was fifteen years
of age, he was apprenticed to a German rifle-maker of Lancaster named
Matthew Roeser, with whom he continued to the end of his term, and in
1750 commenced business on his own account. Upon the breaking out
of the French and Indian war he was appointed armorer to Braddock's
expedition and ordered to Virginia. After the defeat of the expedition
he returned to Lancaster and continued to supply the frontier and Indian
trade with weapons. His son William Henry, Jr., followed the same
calling, and executed contracts with the government for many thousand
stands of arms. In 1809 the younger Henry erected a gun factory near
Nazareth, Pennsylvania, in which the business is still continued by his
great-grandson. Thus the manufacture of firearms has been carried on
by William Henry and his lineal descendants for a hundred and fifty years.

It would naturally be expected that the Indians, learning quickly the
superiority of rifled arms, would be as quick to acquire them. In 1750,
when Zeisberger went on an embassy to Onondaga, he found the Iroquois
supplied with rifles, and about this time other narratives of border life
mention the use of rifles by neighboring tribes as though quite customary.
In 1764 Sir William Johnson, writing to the lords of trade about their
plan for managing Indian affairs, makes this recommendation : " Rifled
barreled guns should certainly be prohibited ; the Shawanese and Dela-
wares, with many of their neighbors, are become very fond of them, and
use them with such dexterity that they are capable of doing infinite damage,
and as they are made in some of the frontier towns, where the Indians will
procure them at any price, I am of opinion all white persons should be
restricted on a very severe penalty from selling them to any Indian or for
their use." Two months later another experienced officer, Colonel John
Bradstreet, complained that the government of Pennsylvania was furnishing

THE RIFLE IN COLONIAL TIMES 1 87

an excellent kind of rifles to the Delawares and Shawanese, and that the
upper nations were " getting into them fast." He pointed out that the
new gun, requiring less powder than the old, made the red men much less
dependent upon the colonists, and suggested that it would be a public
benefit to prohibit the making, vending, or importing of such weapons.

It is true that when the Indians obtained rifles they were able to hold
out longer without visiting the traders for ammunition, but in another way
they became more than ever dependent upon the arts of civilization, for now
their guns required more frequent and skillful repairing. The quick-witted
Moravians saw herein their opportunity and lost no time in following it up.
Old Shikellimy, an Oneida chief, having besought the government of Penn-
sylvania to put up a smithy at Shamokin, the Moravians volunteered to
furnish shop and smith provided they were allowed to establish a mission
at the same place. Even at this price the offer was accepted, and soon
two missionaries began the work of evangelization among such Indians as
waited while their rifles were being straightened or re-cut by a stout lay bro-
ther bearing the appropriate name of Schmidt. The Jesuits, by the way,
had succeeded in winning audience with the Iroquois a century earlier by
this same expedient. Yet in an emergency the red man could be his own
smith. James Adair wrote in 1775 that his Indian acquaintances would
re-stock their guns with no tools but a hatchet and knife, straighten a gun-
barrel, or mend the lock with old springs, though this latter job cost the
red artist about two months' work. Loskiel tells a surprising story of their
industry and mechanical skill when pressed by circumstances. He says
that " many of the Delawares and Iroquois have learnt to make very good
rifle-barrels of common fowling-pieces, and keep them likewise in good
repair, by which the use of these weapons has become pretty general
among them and the Shawanose." This part of Loskiel was based upon
a manuscript history of the Indians written by Zeisberger in 1778. That
the narrative is strictly accurate admits of no doubt, for the great mission-
ary was a rifleman himself and knew what he was talking about. As to
the savages making rifles out of shot-guns, it was an art they could learn
of any frontier blacksmith. A machine that turned out many of our great-
grandfathers' rifles was so simple in construction that it could be made
anywhere. An old rifle-barrel was secured in movable bearings on a
piece of timber about twice its length. A wheel or disk was attached
to its breech, with divisions marked on the rim, and engaging a catch
which held the barrel firmly in place. An iron rod was inserted in the bar-
rel, around which lead or some alloy was cast. To this rod a handle was
fastened by which it could be pushed backward and forward, when the

1 88 THE RIFLE IN COLONIAL TIMES

soft metal would follow the grooves and give the rod a rotary motion.
The barrel to be rifled was fixed immovably in front of this apparatus, so
as to be entered by a rifling rod attached to the iron rod already mentioned.
In the front end of this rifling rod was a narrow slot in which was fastened
a suitable cutter. When the cutter was entered in the new barrel it was
only necessary to push the handle gradually forward to cut a faint spiral
duplicating the twist of the old barrel. This spiral was deepened with
each successive journey of the rod by taking out the cutter and inserting
a slip of paper or thin fabric in the bottom of the slot. When one groove
was finished the wheel on the breech of the old barrel was turned one
division and a new furrow started.

Those colonists who lived far from large settlements were taught by
necessity to practice such expedients as we moderns can scarcely believe.
Dr. John Doddridge, in that book of reminiscences which is our most
valuable record of pioneer life, says that his father was given the task
of mending the neighbors' rifles, in lieu of active service in scouts and
campaigns, for which ill-health unfitted him. There was not even a black-
smith in their little community, and the old man worked with tools of a
rude kind, straightening gun-barrels over a stump with a wooden mallet, or
fashioning a rifling cutter out of any odd bit of steel.

We learn too from Doddridge how shooting matches were conducted on
the frontier. They were a common diversion when the store of powder
would allow such practice. Off-hand shooting was not in vogue, as the
object of the match was rather to test the accuracy of a man's gun and of
his judgment than the steadiness of his nerve. Doubtless people were not
troubled much with nervousness in those days. Aim was taken from a
stump or fallen log, and the rifle was cushioned on a bit of moss, that the
barrel might not spring and throw its bullet wide of the mark. Rifles at
that time were of larger calibre than most of the " Kentucky " pattern that
came into use later on, few of them carrying more than forty-five bullets
to the pound. That the shooting at these tournaments was uniformly
good may be judged from the training of the contestants. Every well-
grown boy in the settlement became a fort soldier at the age of twelve
or thirteen and helped to support the family by hunting game.

What was their standard of accuracy and range in the olden time ?
Uncommonly definite answers to this question are given by an English-
man who spent most of the sixteen years from 1770 to 1786 on the coast
of Labrador engaged in the fur-trade. This was George Cartwright, who
learned to use the rifle from German sharpshooters while serving as aid-
de-camp to the Marquis of Granby during the Seven Years' war. The

THE RIFLE IN COLONIAL TIMES 1 89

journal of his residence in Labrador is one of the most entertaining records
of sport with the rifle that has come down to us from the last century.
We can judge from it what were considered hunting ranges at that time,
as Cartwright was in the habit of pacing off his longer shots and recording
them. He registers seven shots at deer or caribou at from 300 to 400
yards, all of them misses. His longest successful shot was 2CO yards at a
hind, which was pierced through the heart but ran sixty yards before she
dropped. One of his companions, firing random shots at a herd of deer
more than 300 yards away, wounded one of them slightly. The same man
shot a pair of hinds through with one bullet at 200 yards, but both got
away. Cartwright fired at a deer 185 yards distant, and the ball " grounded
a foot short." He records a number of successful shots at deer or bears
at from 120 to 160 yards, a loon killed at 100 and a raven at above 100
yards, but it is evident that the lack of elevating rear sights made greater
ranges uncertain. The hunter speaks lovingly of his favorite weapon, a
short-barreled Hanoverian rifle, and preferred it even for feathered game,
of which seldom a day passed without his securing a bag. In shooting
grouse or other birds he generally knocked their heads off cleanly with a
bullet. One day he makes this entry : " I knocked off the heads of a
brace of spruce-game at one shot, and of a pair of ducks at another, with
my rifle." On another occasion he speaks of taking two grouse in a line
with each other and cutting both their heads off at fifty yards' distance.
No doubt Cartwright could have done better with an American rifle at the
longer ranges, for the arms turned out by backwoods artisans were superior
to those imported. It is doubtful if even the best modern workmanship
has produced a weapon so well adapted to the service required of it as
was the homely border rifle at that time. He did not secure one, for
unfortunately war was brewing, and the trader soon found himself at the
mercy of Yankee privateers.

We have reached a significant date. On the 14th of June, 1775, the
continental congress passed a resolution for raising six companies of rifle-
men in Pennsylvania, two in Maryland, and two in Virginia, which were
to join the main army at Cambridge and be scattered about to remove the
enemy's officers. Most of the couriers bearing these orders had to ride
three or four hundred miles to deliver them. Instead of the eight hundred
men asked for by congress, fourteen hundred and sixty responded to the
call. They were completely armed and accoutred, marched on foot from
four to seven hundred miles, or more, and reported for duty to Washington
within less than sixty days from the date when authority was given for their
enlistment, all without a penny being advanced by the continental treasury.

I90 THE RIFLE IN COLONIAL TIMES

In the Philadelphia newspapers for August, 1775, are two distinct
accounts by eye-witnesses of exhibitions given by the Maryland riflemen
while marching to the seat of war. The detachment numbered one hun-
dred and thirty men, under the leadership of Michael Cresap. They came
from the mountains and backwoods, and were bred from infancy to endure
hardships and court danger. Many of them had served in Dunmore's war
and bore the scars of wounds received from their savage enemies. Some
had traveled near eight hundred miles, from the banks of the Ohio, but
stepped as lightly as if the march had just begun. At Fredericktown, Mary-
land, they were supplied from the magazine with powder which needed
airing and was not in good condition for rifles. Yet in the evening they
astonished all beholders by their precision in off-hand practice, as well as
in shooting when lying on their backs, breasts, or sides, and after running
briskly as in a skirmish. Again at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, they repeated
these exercises with variations. Two brothers took a piece of board five
inches broad and seven inches long, with a bit of white paper about the size
of a silver dollar nailed in the centre. While one of them supported this
board perpendicularly between his knees, the other walked to a place up-
ward of sixty yards away, and turning fired eight bullets consecutively
through the board, shooting off-hand. Another of the company held a bar-
rel-stave perpendicularly in his hand, with one edge close to his side, while
a comrade shot several bullets through it from the same distance. The
spectators were surprised, but some of the marksmen told them that there
were upward of fifty persons in that company who could do the same thing,
while there were none but could " plug nineteen bullets out of twenty within
an inch of the head of a ten-penny nail." To show theif confidence in their
own skill, some offered to stand with apples on their heads while others
would shoot them off at sixty yards, but the sensible people of Lancaster
declined to witness such a performance.

The brothers mentioned in this narrative may have been the Shains,
members of Cresap's company, who seldom missed a mark the size of a
cent at twenty or twenty-five yards, off-hand shooting. John Jacob tells
of seeing three of Cresap's men fire simultaneously at a buzzard that was
flying over them at a considerable height. The bird fell, and each man
declared he had killed it. On examination it was found that all three
bullets had hit their mark.

There was much rejoicing everywhere along the line of march, and
Bradford the Philadelphia printer wrote to his British cousins : " This
province has raised 1,000 riflemen, the worst of whom will put a ball into
a man's head at the distance of 1 50 or 200 yards ; therefore advise your

THE RIFLE IN COLONIAL TIMES 191

officers who shall hereafter come out to America to settle their affairs in
England before their departure/' The first body of riflemen to arrive in
the American camp was Captain Nagle's company of Berks county Ger-
mans. The others soon followed and attracted much attention. They
are described as tall and hardy fellows, many over six feet in height,
dressed in white or brown hunting-shirts with double capes, round caps,
Indian leggins and moccasins. On their breasts in capital letters they
wore the motto LIBERTY OR DEATH ! Each man carried his own rifle,
tomahawk, and hunting-knife. Their deportment was modest, their dis-
cipline a model for all the camp. We have the testimony of several
different records that a party of them while advancing quickly at a
review fired their bullets into poles only seven inches in diameter from a
distance of two hundred and fifty yards with few misses. They were em-
ployed at once as sharpshooters and began to pick off British officers at
more than twice the range of common muskets. In one day the riflemen
killed ten of a reconnoitring party, of whom three were field officers, and
shot a sentry at the distance of two hundred and fifty yards when only half
his head was visible. It was also reported that they killed three men on
board a ship at Charlestown ferry at a range of fully half a mile. Their
fire was directed mostly at the handsome uniforms, which gave point to
one of Burke's angriest invectives in parliament. " These men," he ex-
claimed, " know much more of your army than your return can give them.
They coop it up, besiege it, destroy it, crush it. Your officers are swept
off by the rifles if they show their noses."

Such was the nucleus which has since grown into the army of the
United States; for these were the first troops levied in America by
authority of a central representative government. Among the motley
ranks of Puritans and cavaliers, Dutch, Germans, Irish, and all the other
sharply contrasted elements of the continental army, this handful of men
was all that typified a common nationality. They were Americans,
different from all other peoples in dialect, in dress, in habits, and in
aspirations. All that was theirs, even of sentiment and tradition, they
owed to the great wild country that they came to defend. Freedom had
in their minds no association with escape from bondage. It was not an
idea that had come to them by laborious study or hazardous speculation.
They held those truths to be self-evident which became a basis for the
declaration of independence, and the certainty of their trust was wit-
nessed grandly when colonial times had passed away.

Ithaca, New York.

jVsvvu^ J&wcuSC

THE DEACON'S WOOING

A CONNECTICUT LEGEND

In seventeen hundred thirty-four —

So ran the tale in the days of yore —

In Old Lyme town in the nutmeg state

Dwelt Reynolds Marvin. Early and late

He tilled his fields and improved his kine,

Than which were none in the town more fine,

And all his acres were fair to view,

While, close and thrifty, his riches grew.

Eccentric he and a dreamy man,

He lacked the vim of the Puritan,

And after filling the captain's place

In home militia he served with grace,

With acts devout and a mien austere,

In deacon's orders a single year;

Then shunned Ambition's exacting ways

And sought no more for civic bays,

Content a countryman's life to lead,

To reap the harvest and plant the seed ;

And yet with ample supplies at hand,

While able helpers improved the land,

He passed his time, or at least a part,

In writing rhymes, as he felt the art

O'er him its mantle had fairly thrown,

And Poesy marked him for her own.

Of course, such acts in the staid old town

Were viewed adversely with doubt and frown

By neighbors cast in a sterner mold,

Who mourned the practice within the fold,

And often said that such idle ways

Were ill-becoming to earnest days,

The worse in him because there was known

No one more pious throughout the town.

THE DEACON S WOOING

Although the old people held aloof

And thought his rhyming was only proof

Of talents wasted and time misspent,

A goodly nature improvident,

The quiet maidens for miles around

Were all delighted to hear the sound

Of his clear voice in its rhythmic tone

Repeat his rhymes, as could he alone ;

And no one else in the country near

Was voted quite such a " catch " and " dear.'

Despite it all he was fancy free
For time unnamed, until Betsy Lee,
A maiden fair as the summer skies,
With dimpled cheeks and bewitching eyes,
Enthralled him fast with her loving glance,
As each the other one eyed askance
On Sabbath days in the droning noons,
When parson deaconed the sacred tunes,
Or failed to hold their attention quite
Throughout the sermons so recondite.
Miss Betsy's dwelling was far away,
But still they met on the Sabbath day,
And as they met their affection grew —
The old, old story, yet ever new.
And while no murmurs of love had passed,
In Cupid's bonds they were tangled fast,
Despite entreaties and scoldings stern
By parents uttered, her thoughts to turn.

The flying days brought the early fall,
September golden, the month of all,
When Marvin mounted his horse one day,
One Monday morning, the records say,
Well clothed in suit of the day before,
When eye to eye had twinkled the more,
And left his harvesters in the field
To house securely the golden yield,
While he permitted his horse to roam
With easy amble toward Betsy's home,

Vol. XXIV.— No. 3.-13

194 THE deacon's wooing

His mind in blissful communings bent,
On matrimonial joys intent,
Combined with efforts in jingling rhyme
That should with amorous feelings chime.

His horse had traveled the road before,

And brought him soon to his loved one's door.

Miss Betsy answered herself the call,

In homespun kirtle, her bright cheeks all

Aglow from work in the wash-room near,

Her plump arms bared to the shoulder clear,

Her hands all soft from the recent rub

Of clothes in the unpoetic tub ;

And though behind the near lattice stood

Her watchful mother in irate mood,

She showed no touch of embarrassment

At sight of Marvin. Her color went

In rosy waves like the blush of dawn,

But sweet she stood, like a gentle fawn,

And met the deacon's salute polite

With modest air and a courtesy slight.

He still in his saddle sat erect,

And doffed his hat with sincere respect,

And thus delivered without delay

This message there on that autumn day:

" Miss Betsy Lee,

The Lord reveals to me

That you my wife should be.'*

Her arms were slowly uplifted there
Above her head with its golden hair,
With eyes upraised and submissive mien,
And palms turned outward so plump and clean,
She promptly said, for her heart was won :

" Deacon Marvin, the Lord's will be done ! "

Such consummation of loving bliss
Deserved reward of a loving kiss,

THE DEACON'S WOOING 195

But just then dawned at the entry door
Miss Betsy's mother. He said no more,
But soon the deacon rode slowly down
The shady lane and returned to town.

Before they sounded the wedding chimes

The custom was in those good old times,

By law come down from the Puritans,

That full three weeks should the marriage banns

In church be published, or other place

As public full as that fount of grace.

The deacon's parents opposed the match,

And Betsy's also decried her " catch,"

And all united their arts to tear

Apart forever this loving pair.

But all in vain. Though sore assailed,

The banns by him, as town clerk, were nailed

Upon the door of the village church ;

And if the records you go and search,

You'll find, in language both plain and terse,

He posted high the following verse:

" Notice.
Reynolds Marvin and Betsy Lee

Do both intend to marry,
And though our dads op-posed be,

We can no longer tarry."

And so they married, and happy too
They lived contented, and, well-to-do,
Served well for many a year their day
And generation in ev'ry way,
Made others glad, and well belied
The ills wiseacres had prophesied.

The deacon clung to his rhyming muse,
And managed amusement to infuse
Where evenings else would have dragged along
In sombre sayings or psalmist song.

196 THE DEACON'S WOOING

When aged grown and the end drew nigh,

The ruling passion for minstrelsy

Continued strong, and he timely wrote

His epitaph, which below I quote,

And which engraved on a granite stone

In Lyme churchyard, with the moss o'ergrown,

Can yet with care be deciphered well,

And this is what the old letters tell :

"Close behind this stone
There lies alone

Capt. Reynolds Marvin.
Expecting his wife,
When ends her life,

And we both are freed from sarvinV*

The good old lady in time was laid
Beside the husband she loved, obeyed,
But yet the tale of her wooing queer,
Romantic, still is to lovers dear ;
And gossip says that the timid swain
Has taken courage a wife to gain,
When he this story has chanced to see
Of Reynolds Marvin and Betsy Lee.

West Newton, Massachusetts.

^My(-^. JsU^a

JUDGE AMASA J. PARKER

For half a century no prominent figure has been more familiar to the
eyes of Albany than that of the late Judge Amasa J. Parker. His life
began in the first decade of the present century, June 2, 1807, an^ closed
May 13, 1890. His professional career extended over a period of sixty
years. He was one of the handsomest men of his day, of courtly pres-
ence, erecc carriage, gallant old-school manners, and great force and sym-
metry of character. Highly cultivated by classical study, literary pursuits
and general reading, and familiar with all public questions, he was es-
teemed one of the wisest of counselors, and through his exceptional legal
ability a power before a court and jury, while the philanthropic and social
side of his exemplary life brought him into intimate connection with all
manner of important enterprises for the public welfare.

The excellent portrait of Judge Parker which forms the frontispiece to
this number of the magazine is from a photograph executed in Albany no
longer since than in April, 1890. It represents an earnest, scholarly man
of eighty-three, ripe in years and honors, and in the full enjoyment of
esteem and reverence richly earned. His beautiful head and expressive
face in the picture are subjects for study. They strikingly reveal the char-
acteristics which have given him distinction. There is a fine oil portrait of
him by Huntington, taken a few years ago, which is highly prized, but the
photograph of recent date will ever hold the first place in the hearts of
those near and dear to the eminent subject of it. The history of Judge
Parker's career is full of incident and instruction. He was descended
from notable New England families on both sides — through his mother
from Thomas Fenn of Connecticut, who for more than thirty sessions was
an active member of the state legislature, and through his father, Rev.
Daniel Parker, from a long line of Puritan clergymen. Great pains was
taken with his education, and before the age of sixteen he had completed
with much thoroughness a full collegiate course of study. It was his
father's wish that he should prepare for the pulpit, to which he objected
and finally confessed his taste for geological researches, which shocked the
Puritan mind and was sternly forbidden. A compromise was subsequently
effected in favor of the law, and the youth was sent to Delhi, in Delaware
county, New York, to study with his uncle Colonel Amasa Parker, a lawyer
of high repute, whose partner the young man shortly became, and acquired

I98 JUDGE AMASA J. PARKER

a professional standing that secured to him a large practice as counsel in
the highest courts of the state.

In the autumn of 1833 he was elected to the assembly, and in 1835
was appointed by the legislature a regent of the university of the state,
which trust he held for ten years until he resigned upon his election to the
bench. He was but twenty-seven years of age when made a regent, the
youngest man ever thus honored. In the succeeding election in 1836 he
was sent to congress and served through three sessions. His appoint-
ment as circuit judge and vice-chancellor in 1844 by Governor Bouck was
followed by his elevation to the supreme court bench. In 1854 he was one
of the justices of the supreme court sitting in court of appeals, and he was
a few years later appointed one of the commissioners to revise, simplify,
arrange, and consolidate the statutes of the state. In 1856 and 1858 he
was the Democratic candidate for governor of New York, and on each oc-
casion he polled a very heavy vote. In the first contest John A. King was
the Republican and successful candidate. In addressing a Democratic
meeting during the excitement prior to the election, Judge Parker paid a
beautiful tribute to the worth, high character, and excellence in every
respect of Mr. King, with whom he had no personal acquaintance at the
time. Governor King frequently alluded to it afterward, telling how
grateful he was and with what pleasure he looked forward to meeting with
his political adversary. The incident is only one example of Judge Par-
ker's conscientious and unfailing courtesy toward all — the more noticeable
in seasons of political heats and before the courts of law. He never spoke
ill of any one ; if he disapproved he invariably declined to discuss the
faults brought to his notice.

President Buchanan offered him the position of United States minister
to Russia, the post of collector of the port of New York, also the United
States district attorneyship for the northern district of New York ; but he
declined for various reasons all of these.

On his retirement from the bench Judge Parker resumed the practice
of his profession at Albany and he continued in it. He was repeatedly
offered nominations for the bench of the supreme court and for the court
of appeals when the Democratic party to which he belonged was in the
majority in his district and in the state, but he always declined, saying he
had done his share of judicial service and preferred thereafter the inde-
pendent practice of his profession. In February, 1861, he was chosen
president of the famous convention which assembled in Albany, composed
of the best men of all parties, anxious to arbitrate and establish peace
between the North and South. It was a great occasion, but no good

JUDGE AMASA J. PARKER I99

came of it. The firing on Fort Sumter soon followed, notwithstanding
this brave meeting of patriots. He always believed that with temperate
counsel on the part of the Republican leaders, then about entering upon
the control of the government, civil war could have been avoided ; but
when the first blow was struck at Fort Sumter and hostilities were thus
inaugurated, he did not hesitate to regard the die as cast, and became at
once an earnest advocate of a vigorous prosecution of the war on the part
of the government, and freely contributed his own money and time to the
raising of men and means for that purpose. But while he did that he
protested earnestly against what he deemed the gross abuse of power
practiced for merely partisan purposes by high officials, in the making of
unnecessary arbitrary arrests of Northern men, whose only- offense was an
honest and independent difference of opinion and a free expression of
it on subjects of mere party differences, in no way involved in the prose-
cution of the war to put down the rebellion. This tyrannical exercise
of power and gross violation of the right of personal liberty he stoutly
resisted, and not only denounced it in public speeches at the hazard of
his own personal liberty, but he freely gave his professional services to
obtain redress for such wrongs.

Judge Parker traveled extensively, making several delightful journeys
to Europe. The first visit was when he was on the bench in 1853.
While in England he was greatly interested in meeting Lord Lyndhurst
the lord chancellor, and Lord Brougham, then at the height of his
fame ; and at the request of Lord Brougham he addressed the Law
Reform club of England at its annual meeting, and explained to its
members the results of his experience on the bench in regard to the
changes that had been made in the state of New York, and especially as
to the administering of law and equity in the court. His last trip to
Europe was in' 1878, when he went to Frankfort as a delegate to the"
Association for the Codification of the Laws of Nations, in which he felt
a great interest. He continued his journey on that occasion into Russia,
and chanced to be in St. Petersburg and Moscow when General Grant's
party was there, so that he had opportunity to observe many things
not generally seen by travelers in that great country.

In his profession Judge Parker's labors were boundless, and the imprints
of his industry and achievements in that direction are lasting. He was
one of those rare advocates never disturbed by an unlooked-for crisis, but
met it with as much coolness and skill as if it had been confidently antici-
pated. The following extract from Matthew Hale's remarks at a meeting
of the Albany bar is to the point: "The professional career of Judge

200 JUDGE AMASA J. PARKER

Parker extends over a period of sixty years. It has been one of con-
stant activity, continued almost to the hour of death, and of early and
constantly increasing eminence and success. . . . During the twenty
years that I have been engaged in practice at this bar, it has been my lot
frequently to be pitted against him in the trial and argument of causes.
The first trial in which I took part in this city was one in which he was my
opponent, and the very day of his sudden death had by mutual consent
been fixed for the trial at circuit of another case in which we also were
adversaries ; and in the meantime no year elapsed in which there were not
more or less trials and arguments in which we were opposed to each other.
I have had, therefore, unusual opportunities to observe his methods and
his ability as a lawyer, both in the trial of causes at nisi pr ins and the argu-
ment of appeals in the general term and court of appeals, and can truly and
feelingly say that he was a most remarkable lawyer. Unlike many eminent
lawyers he was equally at home and equally strong before a jury and before
an appellate court. Indeed, I think I may truly say that he was the most
completely equipped ' all around ' lawyer that I have ever met. Before a
jury, adroit, quick to meet every emergency, readily seeing and taking best
advantages of every weakness in his adversary's case, seizing hold of and
making the most of every circumstance that could advance his client's
interest ; in argument on appeal, presenting strongly the strong points of
his case, and letting the minor points go. He seldom overtried his case.
In argument, he did not accumulate useless authorities or undertake to
display any wonderful knowledge of books or cases. As well as any lawyer
I ever knew he tried and argued the case in hand, his object being success
for his client and not a pedantic display of learning or of irrelevant elo-
quence. I do not mean by any means that he disdained the graces of
speech or the power of words and phrases. But the eloquence in which
he indulged — and sometimes his words were stirring and might well be called
eloquent — was that which tended to gain the case. If at the same time it
enhanced his reputation and gained him praise, these were not the objects
which he was seeking, but were incidental to the great end he had in view
— the advancement of his client's cause.

At the same time he was a model of courtesy in forensic debate. In the
heat of the battle, while he gave sturdy blows and gave them zealously, he
never forgot to be a gentleman. And when the contest was over, whatever
was the result, there was rarely the remembrance left of any words spoken
by him which caused any sting, the only exceptions to this rule being where
the provocation had been such as to justify a severe retort. In the many
forensic battles — some contested on both sides with great heat and zeal —

JUDGE AMASA J. PARKER 201

in which it has happened to me to have been engaged with him, I think I
may safely say that no personal ill-will or animosity was ever engendered.

Some traits were peculiar to Judge Parker as a lawyer. He was always
prompt in preparation for a trial. Semper paratus was his motto not in
theory only but in practice. He believed that the habit of postponing
and procrastinating trials and arguments was a great mistake; that it was
bad for the lawyers and bad for the clients. 'Let us finish the case,' he
used to say; 'let us have done with it, and then we will be ready for
something else.' I believe his theory and practice in this respect were
commendable, and that his example should be followed.

He was always ready to promote a reasonable settlement of a case in
the least doubtful. Often have I had occasion to know of this trait and
to appreciate its excellence. But words would fail me to enumerate all
his excellencies as a lawyer. His reputation as a judge is established. It
was never my fortune to practice before him in a judicial capacity, but all
whom I have heard speak from experience have testified to his most
admirable administration of justice when on the bench. As a man, in his
personal habits and domestic character he was a model for the imitation
of young men."

At the age of twenty-seven he married the accomplished Miss Harriet
Langdon Roberts of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, daughter of Edmund
Roberts, first American diplomatist in Asia, and the granddaughter of
Woodbury Langdon. Their home in Albany, where they went to reside
about 1845, was at that time one of the finest in the city, a large, square,
imposing looking mansion in Washington street, with extensive grounds
filled with fruits and flowers in the rear ; and their domestic life was one of
perfect happiness. Our readers will recollect the sketch of Mrs. Parker
which appeared in this magazine in September, 1889 [vol. xxii. 250], just
a year ago. Her death occurred on the 27th of June of that year. She
will be remembered as one of the brightest, loveliest, and most intellectual
women of her time, and prominent in all social and benevolent affairs.
Both the Judge and Mrs. Parker were fond of entertaining, and extended
charming hospitalities, their guests including all who were distinguished in
the world of letters, education, politics, society, and philanthropy. They
lived to see their four children settled in their four respective homes within
a few blocks of their own — Mrs. John V. L. Pruyn, General Amasa J. Par-
ker, Mrs. Erastus Corning, and Mrs. Selden E. Marvin — and sixteen grand-
children were born to them.

Bishop Doane writes: " My knowledge of Judge Parker lies outside his
political and professional life. I have known him in his daily walk and

202 JUDGE AMASA J. PARKER

conversation as a man, not only constantly occupied with his duties as a
lawyer, but closely concerned with all that could advance the interests of
the city in which he had lived for nearly half a century. I knew him also
in his home, where his old-time dignity lent itself with very gracious kind-
ness to its delightful hospitality ; where he realized and illustrated Jeremy
Taylor's exquisite description of married life, ' as doubling joy and halving
care,' and where with patriarchal pride he gathered children and grand-
children who love and reverence his memory as a heritage in honor in the
blood and in the name. His early interest in education gave him the
foundation of an elegant scholarship, and in spite of the constant press-
ure of his professional life he was a man of literary accomplishments and
large information. He was permitted, in the completion of Harmanus
Bleecker Hall, to fulfill that sacred and honorable trust which links in the
name of Mrs. Bleecker and Chancellor John V. L. Pruyn, with his own to
illustrate in a degenerate age how honor, integrity, and faithfulness are
jewels in the crown of character. And he died, like the old leader of
Israel, with unabated natural force and with his undimmed eye looking
back upon a record of distinguished public service, of success achieved by
devotion to his calling, of an unblemished reputation in private life ; and
looking forward, to 'the morn' in which 'the angel faces smile' of those
* whom he had loved long since and lost awhile.' Most pleasant to his host
of friends is the recollection of his life in Albany. Young in his old age,
because of the freshness of good sympathies and kindly interests in life,
keeping pace with progress in all best ways, he had been, I fancy, old in
his youth, in the habits of thoroughness and thoughtfulness which marked
his mind. And he was what we call old-fashioned, always since I knew
him, in his courteousness and dignity of speech and bearing."

Judge Parker had always a kindly word of encouragement for the
young men in his profession, and he was himself a shining exemplar of
what every young lawyer should seek to attain. He was concerned in the
prosperity of many of the educational institutions of the state, and among
other important duties was a trustee of Cornell university, one of the gov-
ernors of Union, for many years a trustee of the state Hospital for the
Insane at Poughkeepsie, and president of the trustees of the Albany medi-
cal college, also of the trustees of the Albany female academy. He carried
into every line of work his trained instinct for the highest achievement.

THE BATTLE OF QUEENSTON HEIGHTS

OCTOBER 13, l8l2

The battle of Queenston heights and the name of General Brock are
Canadian household words associated with the war of 1812 which will
ever live and be held sacred to the latest generation of Canadians. The
village of Queenston is on the bank of the Niagara river, at the foot of
the heights, about seven miles above where stood Fort George of 1812,
and is distant some four or five miles from the falls of Niagara. The
battle-field of Lundy's Lane, fought on the 25th of July, 18 14, is close by
the falls, bordering on the old village of Drummondville.

General Brock was at Fort George on the morning of October 13,
and mounted his horse on the first alarm and rode at full speed to the
threatened point. On his arrival he found the Americans on the heights
above the village. Brock was killed at the very opening of the fight,
while heading a company of the forty-ninth to retake the battery of one
gun on the slope, which the Americans had captured ; but in the after-
noon of the same day, as will be hereafter shown, the scattered bodies of
the little British force were mustered from Fort George, Chippewa, and
the other outlying posts and attacked the Americans. After one volley,
then a bayonet charge, they forced nearly one-half of them over the
heights into the Niagara, capturing some five hundred prisoners on the
verge of the precipice — thus avenging the death of their almost idolized
leader by a glorious victory.

Let us now go back in retrospect nearly fifty years, to a Sunday morn-
ing in the month of June, 1845, when the writer took a seat on the sum-
mit of Queenston heights, close to where Brock's monument stands, to
observe the magnificent view of hill, mountain, river, and lake from this
historic point. Lewiston heights on the American side, to the right, are
separated from the Canadian or Queenston heights by the deep, narrow
gorge of some six hundred feet of the channel of the Niagara river, cut
out at some far-off day by the force of that mighty mass of water from the
falls, over which the whole waters of Lake Erie and the other upper lakes
find their outlet into Lake Ontario. Just below, at the foot of the
heights, is the quaint old village or town of Queenston. This mountain
range or high tableland on which we are sitting is the same that passes

204 THE BATTLE OF QUEENSTON HEIGHTS

along the head of Lake Ontario, and in rear and above the city of Hamil-
ton. Between the lake shore and the foot of this range of heights the
finest fruit in America is cultivated. The peaches here equal those raised
on the most favored spots in the United States. Seven miles distant we
have a full view of the deep, blue Ontario, stretching about two hundred
miles eastward to Kingston ; it is from forty to sixty miles broad in some
parts. Between our standpoint and the lake shore, on our left, is the
rich, fertile plain of the Niagara, studded with orchards and gardens —
the " garden of Canada " — and the old homesteads of the Loyalists, sur-
rounded by smiling wheat fields and rich meadow lands, extending
as far as Stony creek. This view is rendered doubly interesting from
the fact that it embraces the war-path of both armies during the war of
1812. On the American side of the Niagara, to our right, the old town
of Lewiston nestles beneath the shades of its own heights ; and about
seven miles below stands old Fort Niagara, overlooking Lake Ontario,
directly opposite to where Fort George stood.

Truly this is historic ground. On and around these heights and along
the whole river-bank of the Niagara, from Fort George to the ruins of
Fort Erie, opposite Buffalo, a distance of over thirty miles, every footstep
recalls bygone stories of early Canadian life. Long before a British drum
was heard, or a union jack of England floated in those remote wilds, the
daring explorers of old France had visited the falls and were familiar with
the locality. La Salle nearly two and a half centuries ago established a
fur trading post oh the very spot where Fort Niagara now stands ; and a
few miles above the falls, near Navy island, he built his little schooner
the Griffin, the rude pioneer of those magnificent floating castles which
have since that day passed over the rough waters of Lake Erie.

During the three years of the war of 1812 the Canadian bank of the
Niagara river, from Fort George to Fort Erie, was one continuous battle-
field. There was a constant march and counter-march of armed men up
and down its banks.

War was declared by the United States against Great Britain on the
18th day of June, 1812. General Brock was then in command of the
British force in Upper Canada; General Hull was governor of Michigan
with headquarters at Detroit, from which place he issued proclamations to
the people of Canada to induce them to join the American cause or re-
main neutral. Brock decided to surprise Hull by a rapid movement west-
ward, and for that end gathered what regulars and volunteers he could,
with whom he started for Detroit and reached Maiden, opposite Detroit,
on the 15th of August, 1812. The next day General Hull surrendered

THE BATTLE OF QUEENSTON HEIGHTS 20$

Detroit and the whole state of Michigan, with all his army, guns, stores,
shipping, etc., without firing a shot, as recorded in the history of that date.
Brock lost no time after the taking of Detroit, but sailed immediately
for Fort Erie with the prisoners, guns, etc., captured at Detroit. His in-
tention was to attack Buffalo and Fort Niagara and to destroy all the
American posts on the Niagara frontier ; but to his disappointment and
disgust, when he reached Fort Erie on the 22d of August, 1812, he found
that an armistice had been concluded the week before his arrival. The
Americans took advantage of the armistice to concentrate large bodies of
troops, guns, stores, etc., at various posts on the Niagara, so that by the
middle of September they had fully eight thousand men concentrated
between Buffalo and Fort Niagara. There were between four and five
thousand men collected at Fort Niagara and on the Lewiston heights,
opposite Queenston, while over four hundred bateaux laden with guns,
stores, etc., from Sacket's Harbor and other places had reached the mouth
of the Niagara and were safely moored under the guns of Fort Niagara.

During the first week of October the Americans were prepared to at-
tack, having a force four times as large as the British, and having provided
themselves with a large number of boats of every description — bateaux,
scows, etc. — not only at Fort Niagara, but at Buffalo, Black Rock, and at
other places above the falls of Niagara, ready to transport troops across
the river at any point they chose. General Brock had his headquarters
at Fort George, seven miles below Queenston, and he had to garrison a
line of outlying posts for over thirty miles to Fort Erie, opposite Buffalo.
Brock's scattered forces stationed above the falls at Chippewa and Fort
Erie, and the other outposts between these two places, required fully six
hundred men to guard them, and weakened his main point of defense.
The Americans were acting on the offensive, and they might invade Can-
ada by way of Buffalo or Black Rock or at the mouth of the Niagara at
Fort Niagara. Brock thought the main attack would be on Fort George,
his headquarters. Even on the 9th of October, four days before the battle
of Queenston, early in the morning of that day a large body of marines
from Buffalo crossed the Niagara and captured two armed vessels, the
Caledonia and Detroit, richly laden with furs, etc., moored under the guns
of Fort Erie. The Caledonia remained a prize in the hands of the Ameri-
cans, but the Detroit was burned in an attempt to recapture her. This
called Brock to Fort Erie, where he arrived before sunset that day ; but
having satisfied himself that this was merely a surprise, and that the
Americans would not attempt to cross the river there, he returned to head-
quarters at Fort George the next day. This hurried visit of Brock's to

206 THE BATTLE OF QUEENSTON HEIGHTS

Fort Erie, thirty miles distant, caused the American General Van Rens-
selaer, to take advantage of his absence to prepare to cross the Niagara at
Queenston early on the morning of the loth ; but a furious storm of wind
and rain passed over their camp while the troops were drawn up in readi-
ness to embark, by which the attack was delayed three days.

During the whole day and evening of the I2th the Americans could
be distinctly seen from the Queenston heights — battalion after battalion
concentrating in and around Lewiston and on the heights above, to the
number of fully five thousand men ; and it was believed on the Canadian
shore the crossing would be made during that night, but whether the
landing would be made at Queenston or at Fort George was uncertain.
Brock himself was of the opinion it would be at Fort George. Their
boats were all ready, some to carry thirty, others eighty men, and they
could as easily float down the current of the river and land above Fort
George, when the guns of Fort Niagara could open upon Fort George and
at the same time cover the landing of an attacking party from Fort
Niagara. This was Brock's opinion even after he had mounted his horse
to leave Fort George for the last time to reach the threatened but real
landing at Queenston.

On that eventful morning, the 13th of October, 1812, a day never to be
forgotten by Canadians, long before break of day the first of the American
boats reached the Canadian shore. They were met by Captain Dennis's
company, who poured several volleys into them with fatal effect. The
flash of their muskets in the dark pointed out their position to the Ameri-
can gunners on Lewiston heights, who were standing by their guns with
lighted matches, and who opened fire, causing Dennis to withdraw his men
under shelter. The gunners at the one gun battery on the slope of Queens-
ton heights and those at the one gun battery at Brooman's point opened fire
on the Lewiston landing with the hope of disabling the boats. It was a
random fire, being quite dark. These two guns continued all the morning
to throw shot and shell through darkness and distance, and if doing little
execution created a panic in the ranks of the Americans and deterred hun-
dreds of the boldest of them from crossing the river.

The British force at Queenston, being an outpost of Fort George, did
not much exceed two hundred men, composed of Dennis's and Cameron's
companies of the York militia, with the light and grenadier companies of
the forty-ninth regiment, stationed in the village, with two other companies
of the York militia some three miles distant, besides a few of the local
militia and the gunners to man the gun on the slope and the one at Broo-
man's point. This was the whole force at Queenston that morning to dis-

THE BATTLE OF QUEENSTON HEIGHTS 2QJ

pute the landing, while on the American side opposite stood four thousand
to five thousand men prepared to cross to support their advance body.
But their courage failed them on beholding the warm reception their van-
guard met with ; and in the afternoon of the same day fully three thousand
of them stood, panic-stricken, on their own Lewiston heights, as they be-
held opposite them on Queenston heights the wreck and ruin of their
brave companions of the morning who had crossed the river, now being
driven over the heights into the Niagara or surrendering themselves as
prison ers-of-war. Those three thousand stood on their own ground, not a
mile distant from the scene of conflict, having plenty of boats to convey
them across, with folded arms and gaping mouths — silent spectators of the
defeat, capture, and destruction of their brave vanguard.

Brock reached Queenston before break of day, splashed with mud from
his hard ride, and at once galloped to the one gun battery on the slope ; but
shortly after reaching it a loud shout or cheer came from the hillside
above, followed by a volley of random bullets whistling overhead, while a
body of the Americans charged down the heights upon the battery. Brock
and the gunners had to make an immediate retreat, spiking their gun, but
on reaching the lower end of the village Brock found the light company of
the forty-ninth drawn up in line awaiting orders; then, wheeling his horse
in the direction of the heights, he exclaimed : "Follow me, my boys," and
led them at a run to the foot of the heights, supported by the grenadiers
of the forty-ninth and a company of the York militia, who were detached
to the right to attack the left and rear of the Americans. Brock halted at
the foot of the heights, behind a stone wall, and dismounted, saying to his
men: "Take breath, boys; you will need it in a few moments." Shortly
after, observing that his skirmishes on the right had reached the left and
rear of the Americans, causing confusion in their ranks around the battery,
he sprang over the stone wall, waving his sword, and calling on the grena-
diers to follow him. He then led the way up the steep toward the bat-
tery. The ascent was difficult ; the late rains had caused the fallen leaves
to be treacherous foot-holes; the men slipped at nearly every step, some
falling to the ground, causing the ranks to be much broken, so much so
that Brock angrily exclaimed: "This is the first time I have ever seen
the forty-ninth turn their backs." Colonel McDonnell then came up with
two companies of the York militia, increasing the attacking party in front
and on the right to nearly two hundred men. The American force was
now increased around and above the battery to about five hundred men.
Brock called on Colonel McDonnell to push on the York volunteers. At that
moment he was struck by a bullet in the wrist of his sword arm, to which

208 THE BATTLE OF QUEENSTON HEIGHTS

he paid no attention, continuing to wave his sword. In the dull gray-
mists of that October morning, half way up the heights, could be seen the
tall, portly form of General Brock, standing in front and far in advance of
the grenadiers of the forty-ninth, a living target for the bullets of the
unerring American rifle, waving his sword and calling on his men, and
encouraging them, both by word and gesture, to hasten their steps. He
did not long stand there. The fatal bullet sped its way — striking him
near the heart — causing almost instantaneous death.

Colonel McDonnell immediately spurred his horse to the front and
assumed command. Everything was in disorder. The men became dis-
pirited at the death of their almost idolized leader. After repeated
attempts to rally and to keep his force together, McDonnell also was killed.
The British force then gave way and retreated to the foot of the heights,
carrying the bodies of their general and McDonnell and most of the
wounded with them. This closed the morning fight on the slope of the
heights, leaving the Americans in possession of the one gun battery.

By this time fully fifteen hundred of the Americans had landed, and
several hundred of them made their way to the top of the heights,
increasing their force there to about nine hundred men. The arrival of
Captain Derenzy from Fort George with four companies of the forty-
first regiment, Holcroft's battery of royal artillery of two six-pounders,
and a few Indians and militia, forming a junction with the retreating force
from the heights, held the Americans in check, and with well-directed
shots from Holcroft's guns, placed at first below the village and afterward
within the walls surrounding the " Hamilton homestead," played havoc
among the boats and silenced the American guns at the Lewiston landing,
so that from that time few boats attempted to cross the river. The British
force around and below Queenston held possession of the roads leading to
St. David's and in rear and on the left of the heights, thus keeping open
their communication with Chippewa above the falls, and also with Fort
George ; the Americans holding possession of the heights above Queens-
ton, while hundreds of them remained below at the landing, under protec-
tion of the river-bank, ready to find their way back to their own shore
when opportunity offered.

The Americans took up a position having the precipice of the Niagara
on their right and rear, without providing for a line of retreat or escape
in case of disaster. The first duty of an experienced general, after getting
possession of the heights, would seem to have been to have detached
one hundred and fifty to two hundred riflemen to his left through the
woods (afterward taken possession of by the British Indians) and to have

THE BATTLE OF QUEENSTON HEIGHTS 209

secured the roads leading from Queenston to Chippewa, thus cutting off
all communication between Queenston and Chippewa ; but their general
did not see it. They appear to have stood inactive for over six hours.
The British general at once detached his Indians, about one hundred,
to hold the woods on the American left, and secure the roads leading
to Chippewa. This, and this alone, was the cause of the American defeat
on Queenston heights.

By noon all the men that could be spared from Fort George had
assembled around Queenston ; General Roger Sheaffe arrived and assumed
command. The force consisted of Holcroft's two guns, six-pounders, of
the royal artillery ; Swayze's two guns, three-pounders, of the provincial
artillery ; four companies of the forty-first regiment ; James Crooke's
and McEwen's companies of the first Lincoln militia ; William Crooke's
and Nelles's companies of the fourth Lincoln ; Applegarth's, Hatt's, and
Durand's companies of the fifth Lincoln ; a few of Merritt's provincial
dragoons, and the remnants of the two companies of the forty-ninth
and the three companies of the York militia engaged in the morning — in
all about eight hundred men. The Indians in the woods on the heights
on the left of the Americans, under John Norton and John Brant, made
up about one hundred more. The Canadian reader will see and be proud
to learn that fully one-half of the British force that day on Queenston
heights was " Canadian militia," composed chiefly of the brave fighting
boys of Lincoln and York.

General Sheaffe left Holcroft's battery with a small body of militia in
support to guard the village of Queenston and to prevent the Americans
landing more men, and then ascended the heights on the left flank of the
Americans, in rear of the woods held by the Indians. The Americans
had expected the attack straight up the slope of the heights, and were
now obliged to change their front by throwing back their left and advanc-
ing their right, so as to face the British line advancing on the rear of
their left. The British force from Chippewa, consisting of the light com-
pany of the forty-first regiment under Lieutenant Mclntyre, and Hamil-
ton's and Rowe's companies of the second Lincoln, with a few volunteers,
formed a junction with the main body from Queenston at about two
o'clock in the afternoon, increasing their numbers to about nine hundred
and fifty men. The line of attack was formed, having the light company
of the forty-first and the two companies of the forty-ninth under Captain
Dennis on the left of the line next to the Indians, supported by a battalion
of militia under Colonel Butler. The centre and right were composed of
the other four companies of the forty-first, supported by the rest of the

Vol. XXIV.-No. 3.— 14

2IO THE BATTLE OF QUEENSTON HEIGHTS

militia under Colonel Thomas Clarke. Swayze's two three-pounders,
drawn by men with ropes, preceded the advance of the line. The actual
number of the Americans facing General Sheaffe's advancing column was
between nine hundred and one thousand, the rest of them being around
the battery on the slope, while hundreds remained below at the landing,
under cover of the river-bank. Therefore the actual number on both
sides engaged on the heights was about equal. The battle was opened
by the light company of the forty-first, on the left, firing one volley,
then charging with fixed bayonets upon the riflemen on the right of the
American line, who gave way in great confusion, having no bayonets to
their rifles, leaving that flank exposed. General Sheaffe then- gave the
signal for a general advance of his whole line.

The gun in front of the American position was carried almost without
resistance, and the whole body of the Americans was forced steadily back
upon the river to the very crest of the precipice in their rear. The fight
was short, rapid, and decisive. The advance of the British line, having
assumed the form of a crescent, overlapped the Americans on both flanks.
General Wadsworth and Colonel Christie with over five hundred men sur-
rendered on the very verge of the cliff. Many of the fugitives scram-
bled down the sides of the heights toward the landing, with the hope of
escaping to their own shore ; but Holcroft's battery below, in rear of the
village of Qneenston, had rendered the passage of the river so dangerous
that the boatmen refused to cross. Many plunged into the river and
attempted to swim across. Half of them were drowned, while the remain-
der secreted themselves among the rocks and bushes along the shore.
During this time our Indians lined the cliff or perched themselves high in
the trees above, firing at the fugitives whenever opportunity offered. The
American General Scott, to preserve the rest of his command from utter
destruction, raised a white flag and surrendered his whole remaining force
of about three hundred men ; some evaded by secreting themselves, but
surrendered the next day, making the whole number of prisoners over
nine hundred and fifty officers and men — thus closing a GLORIOUS CANA-
DIAN VICTORY, and avenging the death of General Brock.

The American loss in killed, wounded, drowned, and missing has never
been correctly ascertained, owing partly to the immediate dispersal of
a large portion of their militia. Some accounts give their killed and
drowned at one hundred, and their wounded at two hundred ; others
place their drowned alone at one hundred, and three hundred killed and
wounded. Another American account stated that sixteen hundred Amer-
icans were engaged, of whom nine hundred were regulars, and the number

THE BATTLE OF QUEENSTON HEIGHTS

of killed and drowned was estimated at from one hundred and fifty
to four hundred. Take it all in all, it was a great victory ; the Americans
losing nearly one thousand prisoners and from two to three hundred in
killed, drowned, and missing. The British loss was small — sixteen killed
and sixty-nine wounded. The returns are missing, and this may not in-
clude the Indians. The total casualties, however, on the British side may
be set down as under one hundred.

The writer's stand-point view on Queenston heights, in 1845, *s stiH
there. The monument erected to the memory of General Brock by a
grateful people still stands. The waters of Niagara roll silently but swiftly
by, as of old. All is now quiet and peaceful around those heights, and the
conflict is almost forgotten by the people of Canada, except when aroused
by some uncalled-for statements of the " American press " as to how they
could "gobble up Canada." Then Canadians proudly point to the glori-
ous victory won by their little army of 1812, on Queenston heights, and
so long as breathes a patriotic Canadian, or Canada remains a portion of
the British empire, that battle and the name of General Brock will ever
be held sacred as " Canadian household words."

Montreal. Canada.

DEAD MAN'S ISLAND AND THE GHOST SHIP

Magdalen Islands is a group of little islets near the' centre of the Gulf
of St. Lawrence, in the track of the vessels bound to Quebec, fifty-four
miles northwest from Cape Breton and about one hundred miles south-
west from the nearest point of Newfoundland. Far in the distance in a
northerly direction are the bleak and rocky shores of Labrador, where
thousands of mariners and fishermen have been wrecked and destroyed.
One of the Magdalen group is called the " Dead Man's Island," and what
is still more strange it is the property of a family by the name of Coffin.
The two names combined present a cheerless picture. Many years ago this
group of islands was granted to Sir Isaac Coffin by the British govern-
ment for distinguished services rendered, and by him bequeathed to Cap-
tain John Townsend Coffin and his heirs forever.

From this singular circumstance that the Dead Man's Island was
owned by a Coffin, no doubt originated the superstition, common among
the sailors, that a " ghost-ship," manned by a " ghastly crew " and piloted
by a " shadowy steersman," made nightly trips from the wrecks strewed on
the rocky shores of Labrador, conveying the souls of the defunct mariners
to the Dead Man's Island. The voyage to and fro was said to have always
been made from and after midnight —

" The very witching time of night
When churchyards yawn, and hell itself breathes out
Contagion to the world."

In 1804 Thomas Moore, the famous Irish poet, visited Quebec, and
from there he sailed down the St. Lawrence for Halifax. While passing
this group of islands he was told the story of the ghost-ship, which fur-
nished an excellent subject for his poetical genius, and he penned the
following ballad on the spot :

" See you, beneath yon cloud so dark,
Fast gliding along, a gloomy bark ?
Her sails are full, though the wind is still,
And there blows not a breath her sails to fill.

Oh ! what doth that vessel of darkness bear ?
The silent calm of the grave is there,
Save now and again a death-knell rung,
And the flap of the sails with night-fog hung.

DEAD MAN S ISLAND AND THE GHOST SHIP

There lieth a wreck on the dismal shore
Of the cold and pitiless Labrador ;
Where under the moon, upon mounts of frost,
Full many a mariner's bones are tost.

Yon shadowy bark has been to that wreck,
And the dim blue fire that lights her deck
Doth play on as pale and^ livid a crew
As ever yet drank of the churchyard dew.

To Dead Man's isle in the eye of the blast,
To Dead Man's isle she speeds her fast ;
By skeleton shapes her sails are furled,
And the hand that steers is not of -this world.

Oh, hurry thee on ! oh, hurry thee on,
Thou terrible bark, ere the night be gone !
Nor let the morning look on so foul a sight
As would blanch forever her rosy light."

213

Washington, D. C.

A SUNDAY IN THE OLDEN TIME

MANCHESTER, MASSACHUSETTS

The first rude cabins of the men of the Dorchester company and
others, who had landed at Jeffrey's creek or come overland from Naum-
keag and Cape Ann, and had " set up a fishing stage " and broken the
forest here and there, had given place to somewhat more commodious
and permanent dwellings. The meeting-house of the humble size of
" eighteen feet in length with two gables," which the piety of the early
settlers had erected near the landing, and whose plain appearance and
simple worship aptly symbolized the severe and rigid faith of the Puritans,
had been succeeded by one of somewhat larger proportions, but of the
same unadorned style, where the people gathered on the Sabbath to listen
to argumentative discourses and to feed their devotion on long prayers
and the Psalms of David " done into metre."

The aspect of the little village was still rude and unpretending. The
situation was unfavorable for commerce, the soil mostly too sterile and
rock-bound for farming, and the population too scanty and too much scat-
tered for the rapid growth of the town in physical or intellectual culture.
There were the germs, however, in this hardy and independent community
of a strong and vigorous life, only they were more tardy in germinating
than in some more favored localities. Questions concerning the authority
of king and parliament, and concerning proprietors' rights, often stirred
the heart of the community and furnished many a topic cf animated and
sometimes heated discussion at the mill, at the blacksmith's forge, around
the great fireplace in the light of the pine-knot, or in the intermission
between services on the Sabbath.

It is a Sunday in May, \J — . The corn has been planted, the shad bush
and wild plum are in flower ; the waters of Saw Mill brook, swollen by the
late rains, rush and foam through the woods to the sea ; the expanse of
ocean as seen from Image hill sparkles in the morning sun ; water-fowl
wheel their flight slowly through the air; the only sounds are the distant
lowing of cattle, the songs of innumerable birds, the gentle sighing in the
tree-tops, and the lap of waves on the shingly shore. All signs of human
activity are wanting; with the going down of the sun on the previous day,
the labors of the farm and the household ceased, the fishing-boat was

A SUNDAY IN THE OLDEN TIME 21 5

drawn up on the beach, the clatter of the mill-wheel was hushed, and after
an early supper each quiet Puritan household " prepared to keep the Sab-
bath."

It is now nine o'clock, Sunday morning ; the simple breakfast of corn
mush or potatoes and milk, with the addition perhaps of fish or bacon, has
long since been disposed of; the Sunday clothes taken from the press, care-
fully brushed and donned, and the serious business of the day commenced.
The house-dog wears a sedate look, and plainly thinks that a Puritan Sab-
bath is no time for frisking and frolic. What is more strange, even the
youngsters have an air of gravity, the modern " small boy " not yet being
evolved in the process of New England development. There is no bell to
sound over the hills to call the little community to Sabbath worship. Few
houses can boast of any other timepiece than a " noon-mark" on some
southern window sill. But the blowing of a conch shell or horn announces
the hour of service, and along woodland ways, across pastures and over
hills, the forefathers and foremothers with a goodly number of children,
some in arms, some walking demurely by their parents' side, gather to the
Sunday rendezvous, the village meeting-house.

There is no laughter or loud talk, only subdued greetings and quiet
interchange of rural intelligence, as acquaintances meet each other after a
week's isolation. The news that Captain Hooper or Captain Leach has
got in with a good fare from the banks ; or that Samuel Morgan, just
returned from the eastward, has brought tidings from Pemaquid of the
murder by the Indians of the Hiltons, father and son ; or that Goodman
Bennett's heifer has been found by the hog reeves ; or that a son and heir
has gladdened the hearts of the worthy household of Samuel Allen, and
has been named Onesiphorus, for as the father said, " Peradventure he
will be a true help-bringer " — these and similar harmless bits of gossip
have just time for expression as the groups gathered on the green observe
Parson Tappin slowing marching from the parsonage house on the hill
toward the meeting-house. With stately and measured step the village pas-
tor enters the house, gravely bowing right and left, stopping to inquire of
Mistress Lee for the welfare of her aged mother, and perchance to pat the
head of some trembling and awe-struck urchin, or to cast a reproving glance
at some young men of rather light behavior, and to look around inquiringly
for Goodman Babcock the tithing-man. The people follow and take
their places as they have been " seated " by the selectmen. A few of the
more distinguished inhabitants, those who bear the title of colonel, or cap-
tain, or squire, or mister — and they are very few in this essentially demo-
cratic community — have been permitted to " set up pews ; " others must be

2l6 A SUNDAY IN THE OLDEN TIME

content with plain benches. The congregation does not present so pic-
turesque a scene as in Ipswich or Newbury meeting-houses, in communities
of greater wealth and more aristocratic pretensions :

"Where in order due and fit,
As by public vote directed, ranked and classed the people sit ;
Mistress first and goodwife after, clerkly squire before the clown.
From the brave coat lace embroidered, to the gray frock shading down."

But all ages are here, from the patriarch of ninety to the babe of a
single winter; quavering voices join in the psalm, and young hearts under
kerchief and doublet beat quicker at the thought of the " banns " that are
to be published next Sabbath. A few Indians and negroes, and two or
three " Frenchmen " from Acadia, complete the congregation, made up for
the most part cf " freemen " and their families. Only the sick and infirm,
the very aged and the very young, are missing, for there is a fine of two
shillings for absence from public worship. The congregation soon settles
itself, there is a faint aroma of lavender and southern wood in the air, the
rustling of leaves and the songs of birds float in through the open door,
mingling with a breeze from the pines and from the sea ; and the worship
is begun. From the lofty singing seats sounds the pitch-pipe, and at once
tenors and basses, contraltos and trebles, join in Mears or St. Martin's,
Dundee or Old Hundred, making such harmony as they can in voicing
one of the paraphrases of Tate and Brady or of Watts' Psalms and Hymns.
Before the " long prayer " a note is read, " put up " by the family of Cap-
tain Leach, giving " thanks for his safe return," and another by Nathaniel
Marsters, constable, " asking the prayers of this congregation that the
Lord will prosper him in his journey to Boston the comings week." With-
out the reading of Scripture — something which is supposed to squint at
least toward Rome — the parson turns the hour-glass, names his text from
the book of Judges, " And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the
Midianites," and proceeds with his discourse. With formal- divisions and
scholastic phraseology, adjusting Hebrew history to the exigencies of New
England life, it comes at last, with another turn of the glass, to " nine-
teenthly " and the close. Good, solid Puritan theology, with no suspicion
of clap-trap or sensationalism. The pulpit found no need of resorting to
such " popular " subjects as the latest arrival of the Speedwell or the Hind
and Panther, or " the recent shipwreck at Sandy Bay," or " the truth con-
cerning Captain Underhill and the Cocheco scandal." There was little
demand for syllabub or whipped cream in the Sunday diet. In the
course of the sermon a disturbance is caused by one Pomp, a negro, mak-
ing strange contortions of countenance, whereupon he is called forth and

A SUNDAY IN THE OLDEN TIME 21 7

reproved with great awfulness and solemnity ; some children and a mulatto
woman, too, are reprimanded for laughing at Pomp's scandalous demeanor.

The noon intermission is gladly welcomed, and parties gather here and
there, some to listen to Lieutenant Samuel May's story of the siege of
Louisburg, others to discuss the sermon and the tides, Solomon Driver's
black steers, the sailing of the shallop Watch and Wait, the meeting of the
Great and General Court, the ghost seen on the Gloucester road last week,
the "greate black oke " struck by lightning in the swamp near Wolf Trap
brook, and the mysterious disappearance of Goodwife Parsons's molasses,
which all agreed was bewitched. Luncheon is eaten, the horizon is scanned,
prognostications are sagely made on the weather, notes compared on plant-
ing and building a weir at Kettle Cove, the young men and maidens return
from their short and discreet Sunday noon ramble to the brook, in which
they have talked of other things besides the morning sermon, and all gather
quietly and reverently for the afternoon service. This is similar to that of
the forenoon, except that the preacher aims to come a little nearer to his
hearers' " business and bosoms," according to Lord Bacon's famous aphor-
ism. His text is from the words of Paul respecting those " who having
itching ears heap to themselves teachers." He takes occasion gravely to
warn his flock against certain irregularities of which he is pained to hear in
the parish of Chebacco, where Rev. John Cleaveland, one of the " new
lights," is stirring up the people, and where a good deal is heard of " new
measures," " experimental religion," and the like.* The plain words of the
parson produce a decided effect upon the congregation, with whom any
historical facts more modern than Shamgar's ox-goad, or the return from
the captivity, or Paul's shipwreck, are a novelty, and make many an ear to
tingle ; for is it not known in all the parish that Edward Lee and some
others have for some time been going over to Chebacco every Sunday to
meeting, declaring that their souls are not fed by Parson Tappin ? There
has been talk, too, of a council ; it is even whispered under breath that
letters have passed between Parson Cleaveland and Parson Tappin ; and
many wise ones are of the opinion that something must be done to stay
such scandalous proceedings, to put a stop to the erratic goings-on of
breachy parishioners, and to preserve the order and peace of the churches.

Such monitory discourses have multiplied of late. The shepherd has
seen the wolf coming. The times are full of excitement and peril. The
French war has left the country demoralized. Ominous signs have
appeared of late over seas. Faint mutterings of the coming storm of the
Revolution have been borne fitfully on the breeze, even to this out-of-the-

* Vide an article by author, " A Patriotic Parson," in this magazine [xviii. 237].

218 A SUNDAY IN THE OLDEN TIME

way hamlet. But, worse than all, rumors were abroad the previous win-
ter that certain persons called " Dippers," or " Anabaptists," had come
secretly into town, and had even held some meetings in a small house in
the outskirts. It is true, these rogues had been closely watched, and on
one occasion it was said were so hotly pursued that they were glad to get
out of the precinct without being set in the pillory and having their ears
cropped ; whereat sundry " antient, grave, and sober " persons were greatly
aggrieved. All these things had of late kept the usually sedate commu-
nity in an uncommon state of perturbation.

But at last the service ends, as services do, and the congregation pur-
sue their homeward way with matter enough to think about and talk about
till the next Sabbath. The hearty supper of baked beans, brown bread,
and Indian pudding drawn from the brick oven, flanked with mugs of
cider, is eaten with honest appetites and thankful hearts. The catechism
is recited, family prayer is attended to, the cows are brought to the barn-
yard, the milking is done, and sunset ends the sweet, peaceful, healthful,
uplifting Puritan Sabbath. As the stars come out in the still skies, the
young people join each other in the free-masonry of hearts as old as the
race, tales are told, songs are sung, or thoughts are breathed too deep for
words, until nine o'clock finds the last suitor departed, the last " good-
nights " said, the doors closed but not barred, and the full moon, which had
now risen high in the eastern heavens, looking down on the sleeping town.

&.?.&&

Manchester, Massachusetts.

LINKED WITH SHAKESPEARE

In the June number of St. Nicholas is printed a list of names of per-
sons constituting " a living chain from Adam to Abraham Lincoln."
This list, " prepared some years ago by a certain learned bishop," is very
interesting and suggestive, and more so in its later portions. It is evident,
however, that the chain contains many more " links " than are necessary.
From Adam to Lincoln there are one hundred and sixty-one of these,
from Shakespeare to Lincoln twelve. This list being made up entirely on
hypothetical grounds, it may be of interest that there should be also placed
upon record a similar list extending back to the time of Shakespeare,
founded upon actual dates of births and deaths of the persons mentioned.

My own grandmother, whom I well remember, died in 1855. She was
born in Raleigh parish, Amelia county, Virginia, in 1771. She remem-
bered the raid of Tarleton's green-coated partisans in 1780, and the manner
in which the British soldiers appropriated the horses, cattle, and bacon
they found on her father's plantation. She had seen, after her marriage in
1793 to my grandfather Philip Goode, her husband's grandfather Samuel
Goode, who was born 1706-10, near the spot where the city of Richmond
now stands, and who died in Prince Edward county, Virginia, 1796.

Samuel Goode when a small boy saw his own grandfather John Goode
of " Whitby," who died in 171 1, and who was one of the earliest settlers at
the falls of James river, where he lived on a plantation called "Whitby"
for over half a century, from 1659 until his death. He was a soldier under
Bacon in the Virginia rebellion of 1676, and had lived at Barbadoes during
the protectorate of Cromwell, prior to which he was, according to family
tradition, a soldier under Charles I. He was born in Cornwall, 1610-25.

The interval between the present time and the early colonial days seems
wonderfully short when it can be spanned by two human lives. Reflected
by only two mirrors, I have seen the light of the eyes of a man who was a
boy in England in the reign of James I., when the settlements of James-
town and Plymouth were the only strongholds of the English in America
— the contemporary of Milton, Bunyan, and Newton — a man whose father
might have seen Shakespeare on the stage in his own theatre in London.

Washington, D. C.

y^^^^j^^

MINOR TOPICS
GEORGE W. CHILDS ON GENERAL GRANT

THE GREAT SOLDIER ALSO AN ARTIST

No man has ever had better opportunities for critical observation in his inter-
course with public characters than George W. Childs of Philadelphia. His little
brochure of Recollectio?is of General Grant is particularly acceptable at this time.
The following extracts will be read with unusual interest :

" General Grant was one of the truest and most congenial friends I ever had.
We first met in 1863, after the victory of Vicksburg. The general and Mrs. Grant
had come to Philadelphia to make arrangements to put their children at school in
Burlington, New Jersey. From that time until his death our intimacy grew. In
his life three qualities were conspicuously revealed — justice, kindness, and firmness.

Seeing General Grant frequently for more than twenty years, I had abundant
opportunities to notice these qualities. We lived at Long Branch on adjoining
properties on the same land, without any division, and I may say there never was
a day when we were together there on which either I was not in his house or he in
mine. He would often come over and breakfast or dine with me. I never saw
him in the field, though I corresponded with him during the war, and whenever
an opportunity presented itself he would come to Philadelphia for the purpose of
seeing his family at Burlington, and would often stay with me, and in that way he
made a great many friends. That was as early as 1863. He always seemed to
enjoy his visits here, as they gave him rest during the time he was in the army.
These visits to Philadelphia were continued after he became President, and he
always found recreation and pleasure in them.

Much has been published about General Grant, but there are many things I
have not seen stated, and one is that he had considerable artistic taste and talent.
He painted very well. One of his paintings, twelve by eighteen inches, he gave to
his friend the late Hon. A. E. Borie of Philadelphia, who was the Secretary of the
Navy in his first cabinet. That picture is, I believe, one of the two he is known to
have painted. On the death of Mr. Borie it was presented by his family to Mrs.
Grant, and the engraving of it was made from the original sent to me for the pur-
pose by Colonel Fred D. Grant. Of the other painting there is no trace. General
Grant stood very high with his professor of drawing at West Point, and if he had
persevered in that line might, it has always seemed to me, have made a good artist.
He was throughout his cadetship apt in mathematics and drawing. The picture
alluded to is that of an Indian chief, at a trading-post in the Northwest, exchang-
ing skins and furs with a group of traders and trappers. The Indian stands in the

MINOR TOPICS 221

foreground and is the central object— a noble figure, well painted, and in full and
characteristic costume. I have often seen the painting, which has been very much
admired. The general took a good deal of pride in it himself.

General Grant was not an ardent student. Early in life he was somewhat of
a novel-reader, but latterly he read history, biography, and travels. He was a
careful reader, and remembered everything he read. He was a great reader of
newspapers. I recall an incident which happened while we were at Long
Branch, just after General Sherman's Memoirs had been published. Referring to
the work, I asked him if he had read it. He said he had not had time to do so.
One cf the persons present observed : 'Why, general, you won't find much in it
about yourself. Sherman doesn't seem to think you were in the war.' The general
said, ' I don't know ; I have seen some adverse criticisms, but I am going to read
it and judge the book for myself.' After he had perused it carefully and atten-
tively I asked him what he thought of it. 'Well,' he said, ' it has done me full
justice. It has given me more credit than I deserve. Any criticism I might
make would be that I think Sherman has not done justice to Logan, Blair, and
other volunteer generals, whom he calls political generals. These men did their
duty faithfully, and I never believe in imputing motives to people.'

General Sherman had sent me the proof-sheets of that portion of the Memoirs
relating to General Grant before the book was published, and asked if I had any
suggestions to make, and if I thought he had been just to the general. I informed
General Grant that I had read these proof-sheets, and that I thought as he did —
that General Sherman had done him full justice. General Grant had the highest
opinion of General Sherman as a military man, and always entertained a great
personal regard for him. He was always magnanimous, particularly to his army
associates. He was a man who rarely used the pronoun / in conversation when
speaking of his battles.

There is an amusing little incident I recall, h propos of a large painting of
General Sherman on his ' March to the Sea,' which hangs in the hall of my Long
Branch house, and which was painted by Kauffman. Sherman sits in front of his
tent, in a white shirt, without coat or vest. The picture shows a camp-fire in front,
and the moonlight in the rear of the tents. The criticism of General Grant when
he first saw it was, ' That is all very fine : it looks like Sherman, but he never wore
a boiled shirt there, I am sure.'

While living at Long Branch few Confederate officers who visited the place
failed to call upon General Grant. He was always glad to see them, and he
invariably talked over with them the incidents and results of the war. The gen-
eral held in high estimation General Joseph E. Johnston, and always spoke of him
as one of the very best of Southern generals. At one of my dinners I had the
pleasure of getting Johnston, Grant, Sherman, and Sheridan together.

1 remember that in 1884 I was notified that a number of scientists would
meet in Montreal, from all parts of the world, to attend a convention. Sir

222 MINOR TOPICS

William Thomson, Lord Rayleigh, and others, who were to be my guests, asked
whether I would present them to General Grant. Some of them had met him.
Of course I was very glad to introduce them. I said to him in the morning,
'General, the scientists from Canada are coming down here, and they are very
anxious to pay their respects to you.' ' Oh,' he replied, ' I have met some of
these people abroad : I will be very glad to see them.' They came to my house
and we walked across the lawn to the general's. He sat on the piazza, not being
able to stand alone without the use of crutches, and was presented to every one of
them, shaking hands with each. He would say to one gentleman, ' How are you,
professor ? I met you in Liverpool ; ' and to another, ' Why, how are you ? I met
you in London ; ' and ' I am glad to see you, I met you in Manchester.' So he
recognized each of his visitors as soon as he laid eyes on them. Many of them
said to me afterward, * Why, I only met him casually with a party of people.'

This power of recognition was remarkable. I subsequently asked him whether
he had lost the power ; he answered, ' No, I have not lost the power. If I fix
my mind on a person, I never forget him ; but I see so many that I don't always
do it.' I can give a remarkable instance of his memory of persons. During one
of the times that he was staying with me in Philadelphia, we were walking down
Chestnut street together, and just as we arrived in front of a large jeweler's estab-
lishment a lady came out of the store and was about to enter her carriage. Gen-
eral Grant walked up to her, shook hands with her, and put her in the carriage.
1 General, did you know that lady ? ' I asked. ' Oh, yes,' he replied, ' I know
her.' ' Where did you meet her ?' ' Well, I saw her a good many years ago in
Ohio, at a boarding-school. She was one of the girls there.' ' Did you never see
her before or since ? ' ' No,' he said. The lady was the daughter of a very
prominent Ohio man, Judge Jewett, and the next time we met she said, ' I sup-
pose you told General Grant who I was ? ' I replied that I did not. ' Why, that
is very remarkable,' she answered, in a tone of surprise. ' I was one of two or
three hundred girls, and only saw him at school. I have never seen him since.'

I remember an amusing incident which occurred when the English banker
Mr. Hope, with his wife and three children, was visiting me at Long Branch. The
children wanted to see the general, so one day they were taken over and pre-
sented to him. When they came back and were asked whether they had seen him,
one of them replied, in rather a disappointed tone, ' Yes, but he had no crown' "

CORRECTIONS OF HISTORICAL ERRORS

About a month ago a dispatch was wired over from the North Pacific coast, in
which First Assistant-Postmaster-General J. S. Clarkson was made to say that
William M. Stone was the " War Governor " of Iowa. This dispatch set forth in
substance, if not in words, that ex-Governor Stone organized our forty regiments

MINOR TOPICS 223

of infantry, nine regiments of cavalry, and sundry batteries of artillery. This
statement is utterly untrue. I do not believe that Mr. Clarkson ever wrote or
authorized it. He certainly knows better, and he is a man who always tells the
truth. But I have nowhere seen any correction of this wild, unjust assertion.
The facts of the case are as follows : Samuel J. Kirkwood was elected governor of
Iowa in 1859. His term began in January, i860, and expired in January, 1864.
At this last-named date the formation of regiments in Iowa had ceased. The
only enlistments subsequent to that date were of men to fill up depleted regi-
ments or batteries. Our "War Governor" was most unmistakably Samuel J.
Kirkwood, afterward United States senator and secretary of the interior. He
still lives at Iowa city, hale and hearty, a grand old man, "well-to-do," contented,
and happy, where I saw him one day last week.

Reading an article in Belford's Magazine for August, entitled " Editors that I
have known," by Dr. Alexander Wilder, I find this statement in reference to
Horace Greeley : " He was . . . twice a candidate ... for congress,
and always defeated." The fact was very fresh in my memory that he once
occupied a seat in congress, and turning to p. 738, vol. ii., of the Messrs. Appletons'
most excellent Cyclopcedia of American Biography, I find that my recollection is
correct. I do not think he was ever nominated for the house of representatives
excepting on this one occasion, and that was to fill a vacancy in 1848. Readers
who are " up in the sixties " will readily recall the fact that Rust, an Arkansas
congressman, committed a most ruffianly personal assault upon Mr. Greeley for
something he had said on the floor or written to the Tribune. Mr. Greeley
declined to prosecute him, leaving him to the scorn of public opinion.

But reading down to the end of the paragraph referred to in the cyclopaedia, I
see it stated that when Colonel Charles G. Halpine (" Miles O'Reilly "J died, Mr.
Greeley accepted an appointment to the city office held by him, discharged its
duties gratuitously, and handed over the salary to Colonel Halpine's widow. I
believe this statement to be an error, though I have no other data than that which
memory supplies. I am quite certain that the man who performed this act of
blessed charity was Brigadier-General Patrick H. Jones, a young Irishman, originally
from Cattaraugus county, New York, who made a proud record as a soldier, and rose
to considerable distinction in the city of New York. I knew "Pat. Jones" when
he was a ragged, tow-headed, bright little boy, "some forty years ago," at home
with his parents in the old log house on a lone hill-side in Cattaraugus county ; and
I saw him when he lay disabled in New York city during the war, with shreds of
his coat oozing from an ugly wound into which they had been carried by a minie
bullet. Horace Greeley would have been the last man in the world to accept for
a single instant credit for magnanimity, or anything else, due another, and I know
I only do justice to his memory in making this correction.

Charles Aldrich

Webster City, Iowa.

ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS

UNPUBLISHED LETTER FROM JOHN HANCOCK TO
GENERAL KNOX

[Contributed by Hon. W. Hudson Stephens, Lowville,. New York]

Boston April 14th 1787.
Dear Sir

I had the honor of your Letter in reply to mine, & am much obliged by your
attention in procuring Lodgings for Mrs Hancock & Myself ; since which I have
Altered my mode of Travelling ; Mrs Jeffery discovering a wish to see New York
with us, I have adopted my Coach, & we propose setting off early on Monday
morning, and I am to request of you, Dear Sir, to engage further Accommodations
for Mrs Jeffery, her head servant, & her head maid. I am sorry to give you this
trouble, but I know you will excuse me. Mr Jeffery waits for advices from Eng-
land before he can leave Town —

I Din'd this Day with our friend Jackson at Jeffery's, his Troops are not
cloath'd, & a paragraph has made its appearance in the papers, that the Federal
Troops are to be disbanded, which he does not relish —

I hope soon to see you, our best wishes attend you & yours, & am

Yours affectionately

John Hancock
Hon1 General Knox

HISTORICAL CORRESPONDENCE

[Contributed by Hon. E. C. Dawes, Cincinnati, Ohio]

[In 1841 the Marietta Historical Association was formed. It held few meetings and made
no publications, but it collected a large amount of valuable material, most of which fell into the
hands of Dr. S. P. Hildreth, and is preserved with his other papers in the library of Marietta
college. The following letter is among them. — E. C. D.]

Fletcher, Miami County, Ohio, August 17th, 1842.

To Ephraim Cutler, Esqr., President of Marietta Historical Society.
Sir.

I received your circular a few weeks ago. I should have answered it sooner,
but my health has been such I did not think I could undertake the task.

ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS 225

I am well pleased that you have formed your Association. I shall be glad if I
can give you any information that you are not already in possession of. I will state
the time and circumstances of my coming into this country, as well as I can
remember, and if you find anything that deserves notice in your historical associa-
tion you will select what part you please.

In the spring of 1785 congress ordered seven hundred men to be enlisted for
three years, for the protection of the western country, from the states of Connecti-
cut, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. I enlisted the first of June. In
the course of the summer and fall there were seven companies of men on the Ohio.
Two companies erected a fort just above the falls of Ohio on the western bank,
two companies erected a fort at the mouth of the Muskingum, and three other
companies wintered at Fort Mcintosh just below Big Beaver. There was not any
settlement on the western bank of the Ohio from Pittsburg to Mississippi ; only a
few hunters just below the falls on what is called Clark's grant, and a few squat-
ters in the neighborhood where Steubenville is now.

They were ordered to move immediately off the public land : they did not, and
still refused to quit ; they were determined to hold the lands by what is called
tomahawk improvements, as many had in Pennsylvania and Virginia.

In the spring of 1786 about one hundred men were sent to burn them out.
Their thirty hunters with their rifles paraded on the bank of the river, with every
appearance of an intention to defend themselves ; our troops landed and marched
up to them and told them if they wanted to save anything that was in their cabins
they might have so many minutes to do it in. They moved what little plunder
they had out of them, and the cabins were filled with rails and other combusti-
bles, then set fire to and burned. There were some few that were not discovered
at this time, that lay a little back from the river, which attempted to raise some
corn that year, but it was all destroyed and their cabins burned.

On the east side of the river (Ohio) there was nobody living upon its banks
from Pittsburg to Wheeling. At Wheeling there was a small stockade fort with a
few families. The next place was at the mouth of the Big Kanawha, where was
a small stockade fort containing a few families. The next place was Limestone,
which contained a few families in a small fort. The next place was Louisville,
opposite to the falls of Ohio ; I think there were about thirty families lived there.
This year 1786 we were employed in enlarging our fort. There some few Indians
came in and appeared to be friendly at that time ; they would frequently cross the
river in bark canoes and visit the settlements back of Wheeling and the Monon-
gahela, and commit murder and steal horses.

This spring and summer there were a great many boats descended the river,
to land at Limestone or Louisville, principally from Maryland and Virginia,
loaded with white and black people, wagons, horses, and all kinds of farming tools.
There was a barge, and an officer and boat's crew to board every boat by night
or day (that did not land), to take the number both of white and black people ;

Vol. XXIV.— No. 3.— 15

226 ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS

likewise, the number of boats, wagons, horses, cattle, etc. This spring (1786) Mr.
Williams and a few hundred came down the river and formed a settlement oppo-
site to Fort Harmar, and Mr. Kerr settled the island above Marietta. About the
1st of April, 1787, Cyril Handa was that day twenty-one years old, he obtained leave
to go up to Kerr's island to buy some butter and eggs ; he had got but a few rods
above the point by a bunch of willows, when three or four Indians who lay in
ambush seized the canoe and took him. The sentinel that stood before the garri-
son gate saw it, but the Indians could not be overtaken, and we never heard
from him again.

About the first of June we all left Fort Harmar, except a few to keep garri-
son, and descended the river to the foot of the falls, now called Shippings-Port,
and there stayed until about the first of July, waiting for boats and stores from
Pittsburg, and for horses and beef cattle from the cane-brakes in Kentucky.
We then took the beef and horses on board the boat, with other munitions of war,
and descended the river about two hundred miles and landed at a creek called
Pigeon, and there took out our horses and cattle ; and those boats that had con-
tained the horses and cattle we sent adrift. We had about twelve or fifteen
keel-boats and a number of flat-boats, loaded with provisions and munitions of
war, which proceeded to fhe mouth of the Wabash, with men to work and guard
them. We left the river about 6th of July and took a straight course to Post
Vincent (Vincennes). There was not the least trace ; we had a pilot come and a
number of spies. The weeds and grass were high ; the cattle and horses being all
inclosed by our front, and rear, and flank guards. Our spies came in several
times and informed us that they had discovered traces of Indians that appeared in
larger numbers than all our force. We expected to be attacked every day. When
we came to White river it was so high that we had to carry our cartridge-boxes on
the top of our heads ; some short men were carried over on the pack-horses. We
arrived at Vincennes about the 7th day from the river, all well.

General Harmar held a treaty here with about five or six nations of Indians.
We found Vincennes contained about two hundred buildings that people lived in ;
there were but few that were better than a poor stable. Those of a few French
families were tolerably decent. There were six families from the old states, who,
I believe, went there on the same principles that most go now to Texas — to save
their necks from the halter. We stayed here until about the 5th of October ; the
keel-boats were sent down the Wabash to the Ohio to meet us at the falls ; General
Harmar left two companies of men at the garrison, and marched the rest down to
the falls, where we arrived safely. The boats arrived about the 20th. We started
within a few days after for Fort Harmar, leaving two companies to keep the gar-
rison. As we were ascending the river, not far from the mouth of the Big Sandy,
going around a point, we discovered a large gang of buffalo that had just left the
Kentucky shore for the western bank. The commanding officer ordered four or
five of the smallest boats to cross the river, to cut off their landing. We rowed

ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS ^^

out into the river and attacked them. I believe we wounded the most of them ;
we got two or three which was excellent beef. We arrived at Fort Harmar about
the 15th of November ; it was with much difficulty that we got up on account of
ice ; the last two days were remarkably cold for the season. The river was not
boatable any more until March, and we were badly supplied with provisions ; con-
tractors' boats could not descend the river. We got our meat from the hunters ;
we had some bread-stuff packed on the ice from Wheeling. For several weeks
we had corn and potatoes instead of bread.

Nothing happened worthy of notice until the 7th of April, when the Ohio com-
pany landed at that place.

I presume there are some gentlemen that are living there, who know what
events took place after the landing of the company.

I remain, gentlemen, with much respect,

Your humble servant,

Levi Munsell.

Note by Dr. S. P. Hildreth : " Mr. Munsell was stationed at Fort Harmar in
the same company as Jos. Buell. After the arrival of the Ohio company, he with
Jos. Buell settled in Marietta and opened a tavern at the point on the corner of
1 st and Green street. He married a daughter of Colonel [Alex] Oliver and kept a
tavern and boarding-house till 1808 or 9, when he moved to the western part of the
state of Ohio. His sons Hartshorn and Philander (?) became men of distinction,
one a physician and one a Methodist preacher. On my arrival in October, 1806,
I boarded at this house a few days. He was a lively, cheerful man, but stammered
in his speech. — S. P. H."

UNPUBLISHED LETTERS FROM MARY AND MARTHA
WASHINGTON

[From the Collection of Dr. Thomas Addis Emmet]

MARY WASHINGTON TO JOSEPH BALL, ESQ.

July the 2. 1760
Dear Brother

this corns by Cap* Nickelson you Seem to blam me for not writing to you butt
I doe a shour you it is Note for wante of a very great Regard for you & the family,
butt as I dont Ship tobacco the Captains Never calls one me Soe that I Never
Know when tha Come or when tha goe I believe you have got a very good over-
seer at this quarter now Cap1 Newton has taken a Large peace of ground from
you which I dear say if you had been hear your Self it had not been Don Mr

228 ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS

Danial & his wife & family is well, Cozen Hannah has been married & Lost her
husband she has one Child a boy pray give my Love to Sister Ball & Mr Down-
man & his Lady & am Dear Brother

Your Loving Sister

Mary Washington
To

Mr Joseph Ball Esquir

at Stratford by Bow Nigh

London. England

MARTHA WASHINGTON TO MISS DANDRIDGE

Mount Vernon Febuary 12th 1801
My dear Patty

I send this letter for youio your Brother Julian by Mr David Randolph as a
safe convenience I wished it to get to your hands soon — in it I send three
Hundred dollars, one hundred dollars to your sister Polly one hundred dollars to
Fanny and one hundred dollars for your self — in six fifty dollars bills — it is the
interst of Mr Q Lewis Bond that I gave to you and them

I thank you my dear Patty for your affectionate letter. I have been and am at
this time very much indisposed. Nelly has been very unwell and Washington ill,
thank god he is getting better. Fanny went to the city with Mrs Low soon after
Christmas and has not returned yet — It will always give me pleasure to see you or
either of your sister hear I have often lamented the great distance I am from you.

My love and good wishes to your mother sister & Bro and believe me your
ever affectionate til. Washington

To Miss. M. W. Dandrige

UNPUBLISHED LETTER FROM ROBERT MORRIS

\Contributed by Ferguson Haines]

ROBERT MORRIS TO JAMES LOVELL, ESQR.

Philada 5th of March 1791
Dear Sir.

You must not blame me for so late an acknowledgement of the receipt of your
favour of the 2 2d of Jany which was delivered by Genl Lincoln with whom I had
some conversation upon the subject of your complaints. He told me that you

ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS 229

had written more particularly to Mr Gerry who would confer with me on the sub-
ject, accordingly I expected to hear from Mr Gerry, it is true He & I did not
meet so often as I wished, but when we did, He said nothing to me. I must own
that his attention as well as mine, was very constantly during this last Session of
Congress, called into action by the current business : for this was the case with
every member that took an active part in the doings of the day.

You must therefore exert your patience for some months longer and if against
the next Session of Congress you will point out to Mr Gerry or any of your
Representatives or Senators, or to myself, the Points that you feel greivous, I will
most cheerfully give my assistance to procure relief provided it can be done with
that consistancy that you yourself would in every case wish me to preserve. And
you may always rely upon Commanding my Services when you can find use for
them upon those terms, on no other would you wish them I Know.

Our Friend Governeur was in Paris last Christmas, but I suppose He is now in
England and will probably think of returning this year to his native Country
where he might be most usefully employed for I know no man more capable or
more strongly attached to its interests. My Family are all alive and well. My
sons are become men (some of them) and my Eldest Daughter just entering into
the Society of the Polite Circles of the times, so that you will conclude that I am
verging towards the Grave. However I find myself in Health & Vigour with
Spirits almost as playfull as when I was a boy. This in answer to your kind
queries. I hope your Family are in equal possession of the Enjoyments of Life,
and with the best wishes for your happiness,

I remain

Your most

obedient Servant

Robt Morris.
James Lovell. Esq.

Boston.

230

NOTES

Roger griswold in the Louisiana
debate, 1803 — After the subject had
been treated (in congress) by speakers
of less weight, Roger Griswold of Con-
necticut took the floor. So long as his
party had been in office, the vigor of
the Constitution had found no warmer
friend than he ; but believing New Eng-
land to have fallen at the mercy of
Virginia, he was earnest to save her
from the complete extinction which he
thought near at hand. Griswold could
not deny that the Constitution gave the
power to acquire territory ; his federal-
ist principles were too fresh to dispute
such an inherent right ; and Gouverneur
Morris, as extreme a federalist as him-
self, whose words had been used in the
Constitution, averred that he knew in
1788 as well as he knew in 1783, that all
North America must at length be an-
nexed, and that it would have been
Utopian to restrain the movement.
This was the old federalist doctrine,
resting on " inherent rights," on nation-
ality and broad construction — the fed-
eralism of President Washington, which
the Republican party from the begin-
ning denounced as monarchical. Gris-
wold would not turn his back on it ; he
still took a liberal view of the power,
and even stretched it beyond reasonable
shape to accord with Morris's idea. " A
new territory and new subjects," said
he, " may undoubtedly be obtained by
conquest and by purchase ; but neither
the conquest nor the purchase can in-
corporate them into the Union. They
must remain in the condition of colo-
nies, and be governed accordingly."

This claim gave the central government
despotic power over its new purchase ;
but it declared that a treaty which
pledged the nation to admit the people
of Louisiana into the Union must be
invalid, because it assumed that "the
President and senate may admit at will
any foreign nation into this copartner-
ship without the consent of the states,"
a power directly repugnant to the prin-
ciples of the compact. In substance,
Griswold maintained that either under
the war power or under the treaty-
making power the government could
acquire territory, and as a matter of
course could hold and govern that terri-
tory as it pleased — despotically if neces-
sary, or for selfish objects ; but that the
President and senate could not admit a
foreign people into the Union as a state.
— Henry Adams's History of United
States.

Alexander t. stewart — A well-
known writer has left the following pen-
picture of the great merchant a few
years before his death. " I walked
down Broadway not long ago, and
coming to the corner where Stewart's
white quadrangle of iron rises, I saw the
merchant himself standing in the middle
of the street, directing some stone-
pavers. Here was a man whose income
is said to have exceeded that of the
Marquis of Westminster or the Duke of
Bedford. Every day he accumulated
the yearly salary of the secretaryship of
the treasury he was obliged to decline.
This retail store alone is said to involve
him in a daily expenditure of $10,000.

NOTES

231

Since the beginning of commerce there
was probably never so great a merchant,
neither in Tyre nor Alexandria, Venice
nor London. And there he stood, a
facile-faced, bargaining-eyed man, of
light complexion, up to or above the
good average height of slender men,
concerned with the laying of a block of
stone, and speaking about it to laborers
and passers-by. While he stood there in
plain business clothes, with a silk hat on
his head, I saw a clothing-store man of
lower Broadway pass by, who returned
an income of above $300,000. Only
$300,000 ! The poor fellow looked at
Stewart with such shrinking yet worship-
ing envy that I felt for him out of the
depths of my soul. The possessor of
certain nickels, I ran my hand into my
pocket and held them securely, for fear
this desperately poor man with only
$300,000 a year would rush upon me
and rob me. From this I was again
recalled to the study of Mr. Stewart and
his $3,000,000, as much as the whole
United States could save out of its vast
revenue every month. I stepped into
his store, and all its vast lower surface
moved and glistened with color and
invitation. I passed to the open area at
the middle of the store, where looking
up through six floors of costly goods,
through ships, villas, villages of up-
holstery, through armies of shirt muslin
and miles of silk stockings, and every
floor moving, rustling, chattering, bar-
gaining, I began to realize, like General
Grant, that the mind which could direct
all this, like the instinct which propelled
the million-legged spider, might be able
to get to the heart of the govern-
ment finances, and distribute us back

to specie payment. Down the store
directly the owner walked, as plain as the
plainest customer who wanted a yard of
mosquito netting ; and I saw him stop
to speak with an Irish woman who was
underrating the cost of a yard of ribbon."

Sayings of mr. beecher — When a
physician has a little practice, he goes
on foot ; when he has a little more, he
buys two horses ; but when he has a
large practice, he must have three
horses ; and when he has an excessively
large practice, he gets four, five, six, or
eight horses. And the larger the num-
ber of horses that he has in his stable,
the less he is obliged to ride each one.
And so it is with ideas. If a man has
but very few ideas, he rides one ; if he
has more, he rides two. And the larger
his stable is, the more ideas he has. And
the consequence is, he rides each one
only a proportional part of the time.

It used to be a matter of pride in
school for us boys to take punishment
bravely. When I had thrown paper
balls, and missed the master (to my
great regret), and I was called up, and
holding out my hand I took the
strokes of the rattan, twenty, twenty-
five, thirty of them, and took them with-
out flinching, like an Indian, did I not
know that all the boys behind me were
watching, and saying, " Bravo ! there's a
hero for you " ? And did I not go back
to my seat triumphing in my iniquity ?

I have been taught a good deal that
meditation is a Christian excellence —
and so it is ; but meditation is largely a
running of the mind-mill, and certainly
it does not do any good to run the mill

232

QUERIES— REPLIES

when there is no grist in it. And yet
thousands " meditate " when they have
nothing to meditate on. Indeed, the
great majority of men are unable to
supply themselves with food for con-
tinuous reflection.

The Bible is like a telescope. If a
man looks through his telescope, then he
sees worlds beyond ; but if he looks
at his telescope, then he does not see
anything but that.

Beecher as a Humorist.

QUERIES

Tent on the beach — Who were the
" three friends " mentioned by Whittier
in his poem, Tent o?i the Beach, written
about 1867 ? An answer will very
greatly oblige L. B. Montford

St. Louis, Mo.

The battle of nations — Will some
of the readers of the magazine kindly
inform me what battle was called the
"Battle of Nations" ?

Henry Morton

Weymouth, Mass.

NEWDIGATE AND LOUDON DESCEND-
ANTS— Mr. Nathaniel and Sarah (Lynde)
Newdigate of Newport, R. I., had a
daughter Isabella who married Thomas
Mumford of Rhode Island, also sons

Lewis and John. Did any son of theirs
grow to manhood ? If so, did he leave
children ? Did Mrs. Isabella (Newdi-
gate) Mumford leave children ? If so,
are any of her descendants now living ?

Samuel Loudon married Lydia,
daughter of Judge John Griswold of
Lyme, sister of Governor Matthew Gris-
wold. In a letter from New York in 1775
to Samuel Backus, Esq., who married
another sister, quoted in The Backus
Family by Rev. W. W. Backus, Mr.
Loudon speaks of " Mrs. Loudon and
the children." What became of the
Loudon children ? Are any of their de-
scendants still living ? Address in reply,
Mr. and Mrs. Edward E. Salisbury, New
Haven, Connecticut.

REPLIES

Disasters on long island sound
[xxiv. 150] — Relative to the inquiry of
W. R. Bliss about the Confederacy, I
would state that she was a thirty-two
gun frigate, and was launched in 1778
at Norwich, Connecticut, the command
given to Captain Seth Harding. In
1779, congress having ordered the Con-
federacy to carry Mr. Gerard the
French minister home, it was agreed
that Mr. Jay, our minister to Spain,

should proceed on his mission in the
same vessel. Accordingly, having re-
ceived his instructions October 16, 1779,
he left the shores of the Delaware four
days afterward. As it was late in the
season, no time was lost, and Mr. Bliss
can safely place the date of his Boudinot
letter about October 1, 1779.

It may not prove uninteresting to
state that the Confederacy was a most
unlucky vessel. When she had reached

REPLIES

233

the neighborhood of Bermuda she was
suddenly dismasted, losing her fore,
main, and mizzen masts and her bow-
sprit. After several anxious weeks she
got into Martinique, from whence Mr.
Jay took passage in the French frigate
YAurore for Cadiz. The Cojifederacy
was finally captured off the Capes of
Virginia in June, 1781, by a British
seventy-four, having on board a large
quantity of clothing and other sup-
plies.

I should have stated that the voyage
she made carrying Mr. Jay was her
first cruise.

David FitzGerald

Washington, D. C.

Universities of the world [xxiii.
345> 4i8, 507 ; xxiv. 152]— Further
additions to my former lists.

Asia. — Siberia. University of Tomsk.
It is a remarkable fact that Tomsk, the
location of one of the greatest Nihilist
prisons, is also the seat of the only uni-
versity in Siberia.

Turkey. There are no native col-
leges. There are three American mis-
sionary colleges : Aintab college at
Aintab, Euphrates college at Harpoat,
and Anatolia college at Marsavan ; the
last named had 5 professors and 135
students in 1886-7.

The native schools teach little besides
reading and writing, and the memorizing
of large portions of the Koran ; much
attention is paid to the last. There is
a growing aspiration among the people
for the advantages and dignity of west-
ern civilization — a desire, especially
among the Armenians, for liberal edu-

cation and a struggle for institutions
affording it.

The aid indispensably necessary to
education has been given by Americans.

India. Bethune college for girls was
added to Calcutta university in 1886-7.

Australasia. — New South Wales.
Sydney university has affiliated with
it the Anglican college of St. Paul, the
Roman Catholic college of St. John, and
the Presbyterian college of St. Andrew.

By a royal charter graduates are
entitled " To the same rank, title, and
precedence as graduates of universities
within the United Kingdom."

North America. — West Indies :
Cuba. University of Havana is very
liberal with its degrees, or rather they
do not amount to as much as the cor-
responding degrees in other countries ;
the degree of doctor of laws (LL.D.)
being often conferred where we would
confer only the degree of bachelor of
arts (A.B.).

South America. — Argentine Re-
public. University of Cordoba is, ex-
cepting that of San Marcos at Lima, the
most ancient seat of learning in either
North or South America.

Its origin dates back to the beginning
of the seventeenth century, the Society
of Jesus having established it as " Col-
legio Maximo " in 1610.

In 1622 it was raised to the rank of
university by both royal and pontifical
sanction.

The first degree conferred was that of
bachelor of arts in 1623. 1884 : 26
professors, 167 students.

University of Buenos Ayres is of more
recent origin. It is claimed to have
been founded about the beginning of the

234

REPLIES

seventeenth century under the name of
San Carlos college of the Society of
Jesus.

In 1776 the name was changed to that
of the college of the Southern Union.

The king of Spain issued a royal
decree in the same year for the establish-
ment of a university, but it was not
carried out till 1821, when the college
was absorbed by the new university.
1884: 40 professors, 737 students.

National Colleges : Buenos Ayres,
Catamarca, Concepcion, Corrientes,
Cordoba, Jujuy, Mendoza, Rosario,
Rioja, San Luis, San Juan, Santiago,
Salta, Tucuman. 282 professors, 106
assistant professors, 1,436 students.

National Military college at Buenos
Ayres. 22 professors, 121 students.

National Naval college at Buenos
Ayres. 16 professors.

National School of Mines at San Juan.
3 professors.

National Agricultural college at Men-
doza. Several professors.

Colombia. National University, Mili-
tary College, College of Architecture,
Painting, and Music, at Bogota. Naval
College at Carthagena. School of Mines
at Antioquia.

Paraguay. National College. 1890.
15 professors, 150 students.

Africa. — Algeria. 4 colleges and 1
lyceum : Algiers, Bona, Constantine,
Phillipeville, and Oran. The Moham-
medans have several French Arabic col-
leges.

Egypt. University of Cairo, called
El-Ashor (the blossom) from the
mosque with which it is connected, at-
tracts students from Arabia, India, Tur-
key, Asia Minor, Sunda Islands, and

different parts of Africa. 1872 : 40
professors, 9,668 students. Mehemet
Ali established a college at Paris for
Egyptians at the commencement of the
present century, but only a few of the
young men educated there by the gov-
ernment afterward devoted themselves
to education.

Polytechnic school, whose graduates
attend either the school of adminis-
tration for entrance into the service of
the state, or the military college of the
Abassieh at Cairo for the army. 1871 :
the first had 80 students, the second 75,
the last 750.

Law school. Mohammedan and
Roman law, and that of the Christian
nations in general, is taught.

Philological and arithmetical college.
School of arts and industry founded by
Mehemet Ali, in Balak, and improved
by Ismail Pasha. 187 1 : 100 students.
Medical college, 75 students. Naval
college at Alexandria, 85 students.

Morocco. The fame of its ancient
universities during the middle ages at-
tracted Arabs from all over Africa. The
university of Dar-el-ibu is the only one
remaining, and it continues to confer
academic degrees. The Mufti, its head,
is one of the most important persons
in the empire. Young men preparing
for law, religion, or letters are taught
grammar, Arabic poetry, and Mohamme-
dan law and religion.

Asia. — Arabia. There are colleges
in some of the cities and larger towns.
The Arabian schools of the caliphate,
and later those founded by the Moors in
Spain, attained world-wide fame and
eclipsed all other literary institutions.
Students attended from all parts of

REPLIES

235

Europe to learn Greek and Arabic litera-
ture and the philosophy of Aristotle.
These students brought Arabic numbers
with them from the Arabian schools.

They began to decline in the tenth
century, and the fall of the caliphate of
Bagdad in 1258 saw the Arabian schools
in Spain extinguished.

China. University of Peking founded
by Prince Kung in 1868 ; instruction on
the European plan ; a great observatory
is connected with it.

The mandarins had procured a law
that none but themselves should study
astronomy, except under heavy penal-
ties.

The prince complained to the people
about this unjust law, and thus justified
to the jealous Chinamen his introduction
of foreign instructors and inventions.

Polytechnic school at Fu-tschieu,
founded 1867.

Mechanical school at Shanghai,
founded 1866.

Corea. Royal college, founded 1886,
has American professors, and western
sciences and literature are taught.

India. 1888. 5 universities, 13,189
students, of whom 17 were girls. No
attention heretofore has been given to
the education of women.

Japan. Imperial university, Kaise-
gakko, at Tokio. 1879 : 39 professors, of
whom 18 were foreign and 21 native ; 284
students. The lectures in polytechnics
and mining are delivered in English.
In 1875 11 students were sent to foreign
countries, and 10 in 1876, distributed as
follows : 2, Boston university law
school ; 1, Harvard law school ; 3, Co-
lumbia school of mines ; 3, Rensselaer
polytechnic institute ; 3, Middle Tem-

ple ; 1, Owen's college ; 2, London uni-
versity college ; 2, Glasgow university;
3, Central school of arts and manufact-
ures at Paris; 1, school of mines at Frei-
burg, Saxony.

Some of them attain high rank in
scholarship. Many of the young men
sent abroad have taken high positions in
the government service and as profes-
sors.

Foo college at Hirosaki is more than
one hundred years old.

Military college at Tokio on the plan
of West Point academy.

Naval training school on board the
ship Tsukuba Kan.

There are also law, engineering, medi-
cal, and agricultural colleges, well
equipped with foreign instructors and
apparatus.

North America. — Central America :
Costa Rica. University of San Jose,
6 professors, 100 students.

Guatemala. Trinidad college and
Trident college in New Guatemala, and
one college in Old Guatemala. Trident
college is the most famous in Central
America, and attracts students from all
over Central America.

Honduras. 2 universities in name
only.

Nicaragua. 2 universities, 1 in Leon
and 1 in Granada, in name only. There
have been so many civil wars, and fili-
bustering expeditions from outside, that
education is greatly neglected.

Salvador. University of Salvador,
reorganized in 1886, is the second in
importance in Central America. 1888:
180 students.

Mexico. University of Mexico only
confers degrees, studies being pursued

236

REPLIES

in the colleges. 1874: 54 national and
state colleges, 9,337 students.

South America. — Argentine Repub-
lic. University of Corddva, established
1605 by Jesuits, after their expulsion in
1767, came under the control of the Fran-
ciscans and declined. Not until after
the constitution of i860 did educational
interests grow. There was such indiffer-
ence among the people that the govern-
ment was compelled not only to furnish
instruction, books, and all other necessa-
ries free, but also to pay the pupils for the
trouble of attending school and studying
— the only case ever known to the his-
tory of any age or nation.

Scholarships called cecas were estab-
lished, giving students a monthly allow-
ance of from ten to fifteen dollars in
gold. The people of the cities and
large towns desire an education, but
the Gauchos of the plains do not care
for any. 1872 : 162 professors, 3,697
students.

Bolivia. University of Chuquisca,
founded by Jesuits, and named after St.
Francis Xavier. Universities of La Paz
and Cochambamba are almost exclu-
sively for the education of lawyers.
Medical college at La Paz, colleges of
science and arts at La Paz and Co-
chambamba. College de Jeunin at Chu-
quisca. 1887 : 24 colleges, of which 8
are for sciences, with 1,070 students,
and 16 for arts.

Brazil. College of Pedro II. at Rio
Janeiro, established 1854. 1887 : 351
students. Law schools at Sao Paulo
and Recife (Pernambuco), 542 students.
Medical colleges at Bahia and Rio Ja-
neiro, 868 students. Military and naval

colleges and polytechnic school at Rio
Janeiro.

Chili. University of Chili has a fac-
ulty composed of some of the best
scholars of Germany and France. Mili-
tary and agricultural colleges and na-
tional colleges of arts and industry at
Santiago.

Ecuador. 1873 : 6 colleges, 59 profes-
sors, 757 students. 1 ladies' college, 4
professors, 153 students. University of
Quito comprises four colleges : college
of St. Gregory, founded by Jesuits 1586,
and invested with the privileges of Sala-
manca 1621 ; college of St. Thomas of
Acquino, which is Dominican ; collegio
Mayor ; and college of San Fernando.
Polytechnic school : 13 professors, 59
students. Military college, 5 professors,
23 students.

Paraguay. College at Asuncion,
founded in 1783. The wars between
i860 and 1870 caused the suspension of
educational affairs. A number of young
men have been sent in recent years to
France to be educated as professors.

Peru. University of San Marcos at
Lima is the oldest on the American
continent, having been founded in 155 1,
and its faculties fully organized twenty
years later. In 1650 it had more than
20 professors of the Spanish and Quichua
languages, law, medicine, philosophy,
and theology. The five universities only
confer degrees, the studies being pursued
in the colleges. 1887 : 30 colleges, of
which 3 were for girls ; 7,8 private col-
leges, of which 14 are for girls. Military
and naval colleges at Lima.

Murray Edward Poole

Ithaca, New York.

HISTORIC AND SOCIAL JOTTINGS

One of the interesting original letters to be found in the Charles Aldrich collection
of the Iowa state library is from Lord Macaulay to his sister, Lady Hannah Trevelyan, on
the eve of the publication of his great work the History of England. It will be observed
that he had quite serious misgivings as to the ultimate success of his undertaking. " Baba,"
to whom the distinguished historian refers in his letter, was subsequently the widely known
Lady Holland of Holland House. It was Lady Holland herself who presented the precious
letter to Mr. Aldrich, with two pages of the original manuscript of Macaulay 's History of
England.

The letter of Lord Macaulay reads as follows : "Oct. 24, 1848. — Dearest Hannah : I
inclose a letter which I have just received from Charles, and a copy of one [of] his first
performances as a journalist. I think his sentiments highly creditable to him. Bring the
paper back with you that Trevelyan may see it. Our uncle John has just been here.
Poor man, he looks a mere ruin. He came up to consult Brodie. I fear that he has very
little life in him, and that his remaining days will be days of suffering. I was quite
shocked to see him.

I do not know whether you have heard how pleasant a day Baba passed with me. We
had a long, long walk, a great deal of pleasant chat, a very nice dinner, and a quiet happy
evening. She is really the very best girl in the world.

That was my only holiday last week, and indeed the only fine day that we had last
week. I work, with scarcely an intermission, from seven in the morning to seven in the
afternoon, and shall probably continue to do so during the next ten days. Then my labours
will become lighter, and, in about three weeks, will completely cease. There will still be
a fortnight before the publication. I have armed myself with all my philosophy for the event
of a failure, though Jeffrey, Ellis, Marion, Longman and Mrs. Longman seem to think that
there is no chance of such a catastrophe. I might add Macleod, who has read the third
chapter, and, though he makes some objection, professes to be, on the whole, better
pleased than with any other history that he has read. The state of my own mind is this :
when I compare my book with what I imagine that history ought to be, I feel dejected
and ashamed ; but when I compare it with some histories which have a high repute, I
feel re-assured. But Alice will say that this is boasting. Love to her and to Mrs. Charles,
and to Charles's bairns. Ever yours,

T. B. Macaulay."

The Aldrich collection contains portraits and examples of the penmanship of Lady Hol-
land and her distinguished brother the Right Honorable George Otto Trevelyan. There are
also two fine engravings of his lordship. The library of the British museum also possesses
similar — but no better — specimens of Macaulay 's writing. Money would not buy them,
but Lady Holland wrote that she could not better discharge her trust as the custodian of
these manuscripts than by responding to such a request as that of the Iowa collector.

238

BOOK NOTICES

LITERARY PAPERS OF WILLIAM AUS-
TIN. With a biographical sketch by his son,
James Walker Austin. 8vo, pp. 394.
Boston: Little, Brown & Company. 1890.
The author of the papers included in this vol-
ume was born in Massachusetts in 1778, and
died in 1841. He was graduated from Harvard
college in 1798, a class which numbered among
its members such men as William Ellery Chan-
ning, Joseph Story, Richard Sullivan, and
Stephen Longfellow. He was the following
year appointed chaplain in the navy, and sailed
in the frigate Constitution. He afterward went
to England, and gives an account of a visit to
George III. " I walked," he says, "with White,
Allston, Dana, and Walter to Windsor to see
the royal family parade on the terrace. We all
had canes, as was the fashion of the time, and to
our surprise, upon entering the grounds, these
were taken away by the usher. I said, ' I hope
you do not think we came to cane his Majesty.'
I had seen the king before and knew his person.
The others spoke almost in one breath : ' Aus-
tin, which is the king?' I said, 'Do you see
that man there?' pointing to the king. 'Yes.'
' Well, that is the rascal who burned my father's
barn.' " The Austin family lived in Charles-
town at the time of the battle of Bunker Hill,
and both house and barn were burned in the
conflagration.

Mr. Austin studied law and was a successful
practitioner. But he is best known through his
literary work. "The tale which will, perhaps,
keep him in lasting memory," says T. W. Hig-
ginson, "is ' Peter Rugg, the Missing Man.' It
was first printed in Buckingham's New England
Galaxy for September 10, 1.824, and that editor
says of it : ' This article was reprinted in other
papers and books, and read more than any news-
paper communication that has fallen within my
knowledge.' It is the narrative in the sober-
est language of a series of glimpses of a man
who spends his life in driving a horse and chaise
in the direction of Boston, but never getting
there. He is accompanied by a child ; and it
subsequently turns out that he really left Boston
about the time of the Boston massacre (1770)
and has been traveling ever since." This story
is included in the volume and will be read with
varying interest. Among the other papers
which have been here preserved are : " The Suf-
ferings of a Country Schoolmaster," " The Man
with the Cloaks : a Vermont Legend," and "The
Late Joseph Natterson." Austin's racy "Let-
ters from London," in 1803-1804, occupy some
two hundred pages of the volume, and are very
pleasant reading. They are filled with comments
on public affairs and characters, as, for exam-

ple : " Pitt you are willing to hear until he is ex-
hausted. But Fox lays down an interesting posi-
tion, fixes your earnest regard, and attaches you
wholly to himself ; then by the rapidity of his
utterances hurries you on, not to immediate con-
viction, for he is sure the minds of all are press-
ing forward. Fitt's eloquence is the eloquence
of the head, and not the eloquence of the heart.
He is as cold as the polar regions, and as dry as
the deserts of Arabia. He is afraid to tempt his
feelings lest his heart should betray his head.
He stands self-supported, and seems to plant
himself in a narrow defile, prepared to oppose
all who come in his way. Although he sees his
adversaries from afar — some, like Fox. approach-
ing directly, others scouring along the declivi-
ties, and a few subaltern partisans who retreat
the moment their heads are discovered above the
hills — he maintains his ground, notwithstand-
ing his accustomed armor renders him incapable
of varying his weapons, while his mechanical
movements forbid him to pursue the enemy.
Though Fox is slovenly in appearance, unwieldy
in person, and ungracious in manners, though
his voice is disagreeably shrill, his words fre-
quently indistinct, and his action generally em-
barrassed, yet he has scarcely begun before you
are solicitous to approach nearer to the man.
So much pure principle, natural sagacity, strong
argument, noble feeling, adorned with the choi-
cest festoons of ancient and modern literature,
and all these issuing from a source hitherto
inexhaustible, never before so distinguished a
man."

THE CIVIL WAR ON, THE BORDER.

By Wiley Britton, War Department, 1S61-

62. 8vo, pp. 465. New York and London :

G. P. Putnam's Sons. 1890.

In the admirably written volume before us
we have furnished an account of the most
important military operations and events in
Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and the Indian
Territory during the memorable years 1S61 and
1S62. The author served with the Union army
in that section during the entire war, and hav-
ing participated in the operations and witnessed
most of the events described he has been able
to write of the stirring scenes in a realistic
fashion. To secure as much accuracy as pos-
sible, he has compared his data with the official
reports published by the government. Events
followed each other with startling rapidity in
that part of the country. The protracted
struggle over the territorial extension of slav-
ery, which had up to the actual outbreak of
civil war been chiefly a war of words, was
turned into a physical conflict, and nowhere

BOOK NOTICES

239

were the perils and trials and sufferings of the
people more severe than in the border region,
of which the volume before us treats. After
the battle of Carthage, which created intense
excitement throughout western Missouri, the
situation was indescribably terrible. Mr. Brit-
ton gives a glimpse of it in the following graphic
paragraph : " Now that the rebel forces oc-
cupied southwest Missouri, the Union men
deemed it safest to fly to the woods and hills
for concealment. Instead of respecting the
rights of property of all classes, as Colonel
Sigel's troops had done, the rebel troops took
all the serviceable horses they could find belong-
ing to Union citizens. In many cases the seces-
sionists accompanied the rebel soldiers to point
out their Union neighbors whose property was
to be taken. Here and there a wife or mother,
in the absence of husband or sons, stood at the
gate to plead with armed and hostile men to
spare the property of which the family had be-
come possessed after many years of toil, hard-
ships, and sacrifices. There was introduced a
phase of war of which few if any had ever
dreamed. But now that its desolating effects
were beginning to be felt, the property of
Union citizens was seized and appropriated for
the use of the rebel army, in spite of the tears
of women and children. Men who a few days
before were pursuing their peaceful occupations
on the farm, at the carpenter's bench, or in the
blacksmith's shop, fled from their fields and^
shops and concealed themselves as well as they
could in the woods and hills, and were fed
clandestinely by their families. The bloody
threats of the secessionists and their acting as
informers against Unionists produced a feeling
of insecurity among Union men, so that in seek-
ing their safety they left their scythes in half-
cut swaths, their plows in mid-furrow, and
their work in unfinished condition."

Fine portraits of General Nathaniel Lyon and
General John M. Schofield grace the book, and
there are numerous maps of battlefields which
are exceedingly helpful to the reader who is
not acquainted with the geography of the in-
terior of our great country. Aside from the
larger battles there was an almost incessant
series of what is termed " affairs," where a
comparatively small number of men were en-
gaged, but which were occasions for the exhibi-
tion of the finest qualities of strength, tact, and
daring. This work will be read with thrilling
interest, and Mr. Britton is to be congratulated
for having executed his difficult task with such
satisfactory results.

the picturesque, and its heroine is a novelty even
in fiction. Armorel is a beautiful girl of fifteen
who knows nothing of the world, living almost
alone on one of the Scilly isles. She is suddenly
awakened to a sense of her marvelous ignorance
through the visit of an artist to the island, whom
she with the aid of her man servant has rescued
from a watery grave. A year or two afterward,
she comes into possession of a large fortune
which her ancestors have amassed by wrecking
and other enterprises, and proceeds to go away
for five years and educate herself. She then takes
apartments in London, where she meets "the
cleverest man in England," who has won a great
reputation by advancing money to promising
young artists, poets, story-writers, dramatists,
etc., and using their productions as his own. Alec
Fielding is really the principal male character in
the book, and although there may be many like
him, we shall not be apt to find such an one
shown up by a charming young girl of twenty-
one, unmasked as it were, and then see him go
on with his base performances in other directions,
passably successful, and quite unmolested. Ar-
morel is a delightful character, and wherever she
appears the story is clever, bewitching, and warm
with color. Mr. Besant has rarely produced a
more entertaining novel.

ARMOREL OF LYONESSE. By Walter
Besant. i2mo, pp. 396. New York : Harper
& Brothers. 1890.
This extremely interesting novel abounds with

THE OHIO VALLEY IN COLONIAL
DAYS. By Berthold Fernow. 8vo, square,
pp. 299. Albany, New York : Joel Munsell's
Sons. 1890.

Mr. Fernow has in this volume made an
exhaustive study of the Ohio valley in colonial
days, precisely what is expressed in the title to
the volume. He has commenced with the dis-
covery of the region, and the earliest geograph-
ical knowledge recorded on European maps.
He then traces the Indian tribes, and describes
their intercourse with the pioneers in the wil-
derness. He says it is proper " that a citizen
of New York should write of the Ohio valley,
because by the treaties of 1701, 1726, and
1768, made in New York territory and by New
York influences, the former owners of the Ohio
territory, the aboriginal rulers of the eastern
half of this continent, placed the largest share
of their country under the protection of New
York, and because the latter state made a
union of the colonies possible by ceding to
New England claimants — claimants under royal
paper titles — so much of the territory derived
from the original owners." The well-known
facts, scattered through a library of books on
this theme, have been collected and freshly
arranged, and made more useful for reference
through the addition of some hitherto unpub-
lished and unknown material. Mr. Fernow says,
" The first white man to erect a dwelling in Ohio
was the Moravian missionary Christian Frederic

240

BOOK NOTICES

Post, known to be a sagacious and able man,
who had great influence among the Indians :
he was sent in 1751 and 1758 by the governor
of Pennsylvania on a mission to the Delawares,
Shawanoes, and Mingoes, living then on the Ohio
and its northern tributaries, a territory which,
after its acquisition by the treaty of Paris, was
declared Crown land by King George's procla-
mation of October 7, 1763. This proclamation
forbade the king's ' loving subjects ' to make
purchases of land from the Indians, or to form
settlements ' westward of the sources of the
rivers which fall into the sea from the west and
northwest.'" The reason given for this policy
was the necessity of convincing the Indians of
English justice by preventing irregularities.

An interesting extract is made from the jour-
nal of Galinee, a missionary of the order of St.
Sulpitius, who became one of La Salle's com-
panions. He was well acquainted with the Al-
gonquin dialect, and had some reputation as
surveyor and astronomer. The volume also
contains a journal by Thomas Batts, Thomas
Woods, and Robert Fallam, " From Virginia
beyond the Appalachian Mountains in Sep-
tember, 167 1," sent to the Royal Society by Mr.
Clayton, which is an interesting feature of the
work. In Mr. Clayton's letter, read to the
Society October 24, 1688, appears the following :
" I know Col. Byr'd that is mentioned (in the
journal) to have been about that time as far as
the Toteras. He is one of the intelligentest
gentlemen in all Virginia, and knows more of
Indian affairs than any man in the country."

MIDNIGHT TALKS AT THE CLUB. Re-
ported by Amos K. Fiske. i6mo, pp. 298.
New York : Fords, Howard & Hulbert. 1890.
The greater part of the papers which form
this little volume originally appeared as a series
in the Sunday issues of the New York Times,
where they excited so much interest and were
so much called for months after they appeared,
that the author thought it wise to preserve them
in substantial form. The topics considered are
various. Temperance, Sunday Observances,
Political Immorality, the Usefulness of Delu-
sion, Ancient Scripture, and Irish-Americans are
among the many. The papers as a rule are full
of clear thought and generous feeling, expressed
in attractive guise. They will lead many to
think for themselves who have not seriously
attempted that interesting exercise; and on the
other hand they will bring restored comfort to
many who, dazed by the light of scientific and
critical research so widely popularized in our
day, have feared that they were losing their way
altogether because the old paths seem to be
destroyed while undergoing reconstruction.

JOHN JAY [American Statesman Series]. By
George Pellew. i6mo, pp. 374. Boston
and New York : Houghton, Mifflin & Com-
pany. 1890.

The author of this book is the nephew of the
present Hon. John Jay, and the great-grandson
of the illustrious subject, of whom he has writ-
ten with intelligent discretion. He has had
every opportunity for authentic information,
and has reanimated the conventional portrait,
without in any sense disturbing the beauty and
symmetry of Mr. Jay's well-known and well-
rounded character. It would have been a grave
mistake to have omitted such a statesman from
the " American Statesman Series," but aside
from that, new material has come to light in rela-
tion to the secret designs of France, and the real
attitude of her government toward the colonies
and their proposed independence, showing that
our sagacious ambassador was absolutely correct
in his suspicions and convictions, and proving
the necessity of the bold course of action he
adopted. These facts have been incorporated
in the present volume, and with skillful and
commendable brevity. It is pleasant to find the
human side of Mr. Jay brought into agreeable
juxtaposition with his public career. Mr. Pel-
lew allows us to see him at school in New
Rochelle, where to keep the snow off his bed in
winter he used to stuff the broken panes of his
window with bits of wood ; at college, where
he was rusticated a short time before he was to
graduate, because he refused to give informa-
tion against a fellow student ; in his law stud-
ies, when the eminent Kissam complained that
he had brought up a bird to peck out his own
eyes responding, " Oh, no, not to peck out but
to open your eyes ; " and with his beautful young
wife, in somewhat of the 'living charm which
distinguished their lives. He was still young in
years when he put his hand on Franklin's diplo-
matic machinery and opened the way for this
country to be received among the recognized
nations of the world.

We see him afterward as the commissioner of
the second treaty with Great Britain, when, as
Lord Sheffield subsequently complained, his
powerful fascination drew from Grenville the
great concessions of the treaty of 1794. The
little book is full of telling pictures. In one we
see Jay and Gouverneur Morris sitting together,
when Morris breaks out: "Jay, what a set of
scoundrels we had in that second congress ; "
and Jay, knocking the ashes from his pipe and
quietly recounting to himself the long list of
French pensioners we now know to have been in
it, replied : " Yes, that we had." Mr. Pellew has
executed his task with admirable results, and
his book will be welcomed everywhere.

£^T/-v^_

MAGAZINE OF AMERICAN HISTORY

Vol. XXIV OCTOBER, 1890 No. 4

SOURCES AND GUARANTEES OF NATIONAL PROGRESS

IT is a happy and wholesome impulse which prompts us to look back
from principal anniversaries to the character and the work of those
from whose life our own has sprung, and of the fruit of whose labor we
gratefully partake. No effects which are not morally beneficent can follow
celebrations like that of to-day ; and I gladly respond to the courtesy
which invites me — though a stranger to most of you, not a descendant
of the settlers of Southold, only incidentally connected with its history
through the fact that an ancestor of mine, one hundred and twenty-seven
years ago, became pastor of its church, with the smaller fact that I have
a pleasant summer home within its old bounds — to take part with you in
this commemoration. "x" The special line of thought presenting itself to
me in connection with the occasion will want, of course, the sparkling
lights and shifting colors of local reminiscence, but I hope that it may
not seem unsuited to the day, or wholly unworthy of that kind attention
on which I am sure that you will suffer me to rely.

The two and a half centuries of years which have silently joined the
past since the settlement by Englishmen of this typical American town
have witnessed, as we know, a wide, various, in the aggregate effect an
astonishing change in the conditions and relations of peoples, especially
of those peoples whose place in modern history is most distinguished, and
with which our public connection has been closest. We get, perhaps, our
clearest impression of the length of the period which presents itself for
review as we recall some particulars of the change ; and it is a fact of
encouraging significance that almost uniformly the lines of change have
been in the direction of better things — toward the limitation of despotic
authority, the wider extension and firmer establishment of popular
freedom ; toward a more general education, with a freer and more ani-
mating Christian faith; toward improved mechanisms, widened com-
merce, the multiplication within each nation of the institutes and minis-

* This oration was delivered by Rev. Dr. R. S. Storrs, LL.D., at Southold's celebration of her
two hundred and fiftieth birthday, August 27, 1890.
Vol. XXIV.-No. 4.-16

242 SOURCES AND) GUARANTEES OF NATIONAL PROGRESS

tries of a benign charity, the association of nations in happier relations.
This prevailing trend in the general movement of civilized society can
hardly be mistaken. A rapid glance at some prominent facts of the earlier
time, with our general remembrance of the courses on which Christendom
has advanced, will make it apparent.

It is a circumstance which at once attracts an interested attention that
in the same year in which Pastor Youngs and his associated disciples here
organized their church, and within a fortnight of the same date, the mem-
orable Long Parliament was assembled at Westminster, the convening of
which had been made inevitable by darkening years of royal imposition
and popular discontent, the public spirit and political ability combined
in which had probably been equaled in no previous parliament, and which
was destined in the more than twelve years of its stormy life to see and
to assist prodigious changes in the civil and religious system of England.
It was more than eight years after the settlement which we celebrate that
the scaffold at Whitehall received the stately and tragic figure of Charles

I. and sharply cut short his ambitions and his life. It was more than eigh-
teen years after the Indian title had here been purchased that the death
of the great Lord Protector opened the way for the return of Charles

II. and his dissolute reign of revel and jest. It was almost half a cent-
ury before the reign of William and Mary introduced the new and nobler
era into the kingdom which had staggered so long under sorrows and
shames. We go back to the day of Strafford and Laud, of Hampden and
Pym, of the Star Chamber and the High Commission, as we think of those
who reared the first houses upon this plain. The contrast of what was
with what now is is not less striking, in some respects it is more impress-
ive, if we cross the channel, and recall what was going on at the time in the
states of the continent. It was more than two years after the date of this
settlement when the death of the crafty and daring Cardinal Richelieu
delivered France, amid unusual popular rejoicings, from his imperious and
unscrupulous rule. It was nearly three years before the commencement,
under the regency of Anne of Austria, of the long, splendid, detestable
reign of Louis XIV. It was twelve years before the close of the war of
the Fronde, and forty-five years before that revocation of the Edict of
Nantes which pushed hundreds of thousands of her noblest children out
of France, the cost of which to the kingdom, in character and power even
more than in riches, could never be computed, the disastrous effects of
which are evident to-day in its social, religious, and political life.

When the early colonists came to these distant plains the Thirty Years'
war was raging in Germany, with a fury exasperated by the unparalleled

SOURCES AND GUARANTEES OF NATIONAL PROGRESS 243

strife and ravage of the preceding twenty-two years. Gustavus Adolphus
had fallen in death in the fog at Lutzen, and his capricious and eccentric
daughter Christina, though formally enthroned, was a petulant girl of four-
teen years, only held in check by the masterful intelligence and the dom-
inating will of the great Chancellor Oxenstiern. The eighty years' war of
the Netherlands against Spain was not yet diplomatically ended, though
even Spanish arrogance and prelatical fury could hardly hope longer for
final success. Barneveldt had been twenty-one years in his grave ; but
Grotius, though an exile from the country to which he had given loyal
service and a beautiful renown, was at the height of his fame in Europe,
and the future illustrious grand pensionary of Holland, John De Witt,
was an aspiring lad of fifteen years. Interior Germany had been wasted
beyond precedent, almost one might say beyond belief, by the tremen-
dous struggle through which it was still painfully passing on the way to
the era of religious toleration ; the peace of Westphalia was only to be
reached eight years later, October 24, 1648 ; and the interval was to be
measured not so much by years, or even by decades, as by successions of
generations, before the vast elements of strength, political, military, educa-
tional, religious, which have since belonged, and which now belong, to the
most commanding empire in Europe, were to come to their free historic
exhibition. Forty-three years after Southold was settled, the Turkish
armies, with barbaric ferocity and fatalistic fanaticism, were beleaguering
Vienna, and the famous capital was only saved from capture and sack by
the consummate daring and military skill of John Sobieski, king of the
Poland which in less than ninety years was to be brutally dismem-
bered. Prussia, which now is supreme in Germany, did not become a
kingdom, the Elector of Brandenburg was not strong enough to assume a
crown, till more than sixty years after these fields and forest-spaces had
felt the thrust of the plow and rung with the stroke of the English ax.
In the same year in which the first houses were raised here Portugal
was successful in wrenching itself from that Spanish clutch which sixty
years before had been fastened upon it by Philip II., and the power of
Spain, already diminished more than it knew by the recent insensate
expulsion of the Moors, was further reduced through this resumption by
Portugal of its proper autonomy. Urban VIII., who led the way in con-
demning the Jansenists, was the head at the time of the Roman Catholic
world, and the fierce zeal which seventy years earlier had instigated and
celebrated the awful massacre of St. Bartholomew's was still a vicious pre-
vailing force in Southern Europe. In the north of the continent Peter the
Great, with whom the modern history of Russia begins, was not born till

244 SOURCES AND GUARANTEES OF NATIONAL PROGRESS

after the first pastor of this church had fulfilled his useful ministry here of
thirty-two years, and had been laid in his honored grave.

Even a fragmentary outline like this, indicating a few prominent points
in the half chaotic condition of Europe two and a half centuries ago, will
serve to remind us what astonishing changes have there occurred since
this modest but beautiful town was started on its prosperous course. The
swift review brings prophecy with it. A general progress unmistakably
appears, amid whatever clash of ambitions or whirls of change. Events
seem hurrying, as if the history of mankind were drawing nearer a destined
consummation. One cannot well resist the impression of a forecasting and
governing purpose, which cannot be wearied, and which on the large
scale never is baffled ; which has ages for its days, which makes nations its
ministers, and the perfect fulfillment of whose august plans is to transform
the earth into a paradise of wider extent than the primeval, in a lovelier
beauty, through universal righteousness and peace.

But these changes in other lands, remarkable as they are, are hardly as
full of animating promise as are those occurring in the same period in the
nation which has sprung to sudden greatness out of distributed towns like
this. The change has come here chiefly in the way of development, with
rapid simultaneous accretions from abroad, rather than in the way of con-
vulsive and fracturing organic change ; but how amazing in the aggregate
it has been ! It is hard to recognize the fact that at the time of the settle-
ment of this village, Hartford and New Haven were insignificant hamlets,
including each a church and a graveyard, with a few poor houses ; that
only the obscure and winding Bay Path anticipated in New England that
comprehensive railway system which now overlays it with meshes of iron ;
that only an unimportant huddle of houses around a small fort marked the
site of the present magnificent commercial metropolis, one of the financial
centres of the world ; that the Swedes and Finns were just beginning their
short-lived colony on the Delaware; and that more than forty years were
still to elapse before the peace-loving Quakers were to take advantage of
that royal grant to William Penn which was not made till 1681. Over all
the now resounding continental expanses the Indians were lords paramount,
where in general to-day they are scarcely recalled save by legend or his-
tory, as starting trains of ethnological inquiry or inspiring efforts of Chris-
tian charity — sometimes, perhaps, with an evil twist of what was fierce or
childish in them, as hideously caricatured in the Ku-Klux disguise, or sup-
plying a title for the chief members of the Tammany society. The few
thousands of English, Dutch, and Swedish immigrants then clustering
lonesomely along the narrow Atlantic edge are now multiplied, as we

SOURCES AND GUARANTEES OF NATIONAL PROGRESS 245

•
know, into a vast cosmopolitan people, numbering nearly sixty-five mill-
ions, and increasing in an accelerating ratio. The imperfect and frail
early alliance between the colonies of Plymouth, Massachusetts, Connecti-
cut, and New Haven, whose brief life did not begin till three years after
this town was settled, has been succeeded by the immense organized union
of forty-four powerful states, exuberant with vigor, proudly independent
in local affairs, but for national concerns compacted in a unity which noth-
ing but the splitting of the continent can disturb ; and the pinching pov-
erty of the time to which we reverently look back has been followed by
that extraordinary wrealth which makes the nation one of the richest in the
world, and to which mine, meadow, and sea, the factory and the prairie,
the cotton field, the sugar field, oil wells and fisheries, even quarry and
forest, under the skilled enterprise of man, are adding prodigiously all the
time.

Whatever special lines of comparison we follow, the same amazing
contrast appears. The only institution for any education higher than
that of the common-school was then the recent and small one at Cam-
bridge, to which, only two years before this village began, had come
Harvard's bequest of money and books. What multitudes of colleges,
seminaries, professional schools, institutes of learning and of training, of
every grade, for both the sexes, now fill the land, I need not remind
you. The country is almost too crowded with them, while every depart-
ment of human knowledge is fairly or richly represented among them.
A newspaper was, of course, not imagined on these shores when the
Indian wigwams began to retreat before the habitations of civilized man.
None was known in England till this town had been settled twenty-three
years. The first in America was still more than sixty years in the dis-
tance. Yet a small printing-press had been brought from England to
Cambridge, and an almanac was soon issued from it. In the year of the
commencement of this village the Bay Psalm Book appeared, from the
same press, to quicken with rude versification of Hebrew lyrics the praises
of those who were laboring and enduring for God on these unsubdued
coasts. It is. never to be forgotten that the early office of the press in
this country was to give an expression, however unskilled, to the reverent
and grateful adoration of those who felt themselves nearer to God because
exiles from home, and to whom, in the midst of penury, cold, hardship, of
wasting sickness and savage assault, he had given songs in the night.
The New England Primer was in spirit a natural companion of this, though
later in appearance, the date of the first edition being uncertain, the sec-
ond following in 1691. Bunyan's Pilgrim s Progress had been reprinted

246 SOURCES AND GUARANTEES OF NATIONAL PROGRESS

earlier, in 168 1. The poems of Anne Bradstreet had preceded this, in
1678. Morton's New England's Memorial had come from the same press
in 1669. Books like these were designed, of course, for English readers,
while a fervent missionary temper prompted others for the Indians. Eliot
was not able in 1640 to address those near him in their own tongue, but
no long time passed before he had mastered the Massachusetts dialect of
the Algonquin language, and had begun to convey into it the entire Bible.
A catechism for the Indians was published by him in 1654. His trans-
lation of the Scriptures appeared in 1661 and 1663, from the press to which
it gave renewed consecration. An Indian primer followed, in 1669. His
translation of Baxter's Call to the Unconverted, in 1664, was followed by
others till 1689 ; and the work of the Cambridge press for the Indians was
continued into the following century. These incunabula, or " cradle
books " of New England, with the others, principally sermons and theo-
logical essays, for which collectors now make indefatigable search, were
not imposing in size or style, were commonly rude in typographical exe-
cution. Their relative antiquity alone commends them to modern atten-
tion. But there was certainly a large prophecy in them.

To what practically immeasurable proportions the literature of the
country has since expanded we all are aware, how many distinguished
native authors have conspired for its enrichment, how familiarly at home
in it are choice translations from other tongues, how copiously the elo-
quence and song of other centuries address through it attentive minds,
what abundance and brilliance it adds all the time to American life !
Either one of several of our current magazines is a better exponent of the
modern civilization than the Parthenon was of the Hellenic, or the Forum
Romanum of that which ruled from the Tiber; and the yearly issues of
these alone are counted in the millions.

Of necessity these changes, and the others which they suggest, have not
come without vast endurance and endeavor, the record of which occupies
volumes, the report of which gives distinction to the continent. The steady
advance of a civilized population from the seaboard to the fertile interior;
the training of the ever-multiplying people to public administration, in local
congregations, in town meetings, in provincial assemblies; the repeated
French and Indian wars, exhausting but educating, scarring with fire the
lengthening frontier but making homes always more dear; the multiform
movements, political, commercial, military, religious, ultimating in what we
call the Revolution, which was, in fact, a predestined Evolution, in special
circumstances and on a vast scale, of the inherent life of the people; the
closing severance from Great Britain, and the speedy establishment of our

SOURCES AND GUARANTEES OF NATIONAL PROGRESS 247

government, with its coordinate departments of authority, its careful limita-
tions, and its sovereign functions ; the following periods of political discus-
sion, and of free and confident legislative action ; the ever inflowing immi-
gration from abroad of those attracted by virgin fields, by the absence of
oppressive restrictions, and by the stir of an eager and fruitful popular enter-
prise; the introduction of more powerful forces and more elaborate mechan-
isms into diversified fields of labor; the sudden transportation of a coura-
geous and well-equipped empire over alkali plains and rocky crests to the
sunny and golden slopes of the Pacific ; the final climactic civil war, in
whose bloody crash it seemed at times that the nation must sink, but from
which it came with a nobler and an enduring power ; the crowning glory of
that emancipating edict which had been purchased by inestimable sacrifice
of treasure and of life, which exiled slavery from our shores and lifted to
freedom the millions of a race — all these events, with others which have
followed, have marked the stages of the astonishing progress in which we
rejoice, at which the world wonders, by the narrative of which human
history is enriched. It is through these that the feeble communities of
two and a half centuries ago have been steadily, at length victoriously
changed, into the magnificent national organism which now faces mankind
upon these shores. The process has at times seemed slow, has sometimes
been stormy, sometimes bloody; but the final result is evident and secure.
The little one has become a thousand, and the small one a strong nation ;
the Lord hath hastened it in his time; and imagination fails to prefigure
what hereafter is to follow. We need no sign in the sky to assure us that
a power greater and a plan more far-reaching than any of man have been
concerned in the progress ; and it does not seem presumptuous to expect
that consummations are still to be reached yet more delightful and more
stupendous.

Standing, then, for a little at this point, after the general survey which
the hour has seemed irresistibly to prompt, the question almost imperiously
meets us : What are the essential sources and guarantees, under God, of
that national progress the desire for which is common to peoples? How
comes it to pass that, occasionally at least, out of weakness and obscurity
emerges immense political strength? that scattered hamlets multiply and
consolidate into an empire? that settlements as feeble to human eyes,
at the beginning as wanting in promise, as ever were planted, come to take
a place as prominent as any, so far as we can foresee as permanent as any,
in the history of the world ? The question is one of vast interest and im-
portance. It is apt to the occasion. It is emphasized by the fact that not
a few peoples, in recent as in earlier times, if not sinking in definite decay,

248 SOURCES AND GUARANTEES OF NATIONAL PROGRESS

have failed to achieve the progress which they sought. It meets us at a
time when, in regions separated by continents and oceans, the nascent
beginnings are appearing of what it is hoped may some time or other
become civilized states. It has at the same time vital relation to the
strong hope which we entertain for the future security and advancing
development of the nation to which our hearts are bound. Let us think
of it, then, in this morning hour, and rise if we may from the local to the
general, from facts which we gladly recall to the vital principles which
they infold.

It is idle to imagine that there is any impersonal vitality belonging to
assemblages of persons or of households out of which social progress comes
as by unconscious evolution, the rude tribe becoming the instructed and
aspiring community almost as the plant is unfolded from the seed, the
stately tree from the growing shoot, or the perfect form of manly strength
or feminine grace from the infant or the embryo. A fancy of this sort
may entertain speculative minds, whose theories in the air are to them
more significant than suggestions of facts, and who are ready at a half
hour's notice to reconstruct society, and to forecast its progress, according
to some imaginative scheme. But the obstinacy of facts does not yield to
dexterity of theory, and communities do not stand upon paper plans. The
social instinct is of course at the base of civilization. But this instinct
may be only disturbed or displaced by the effect of local proximity, feuds
becoming intensified thereby, suspicious animosity overruling the tendency
to moral affiliation ; while, always, the primitive instinct for society requires
many things external to itself for the promotion of general progress. If
this were otherwise, none of the early peoples of the world, long associated,
would be now in a state of inert barbarism, as they obviously are in Africa,
Australia, in the islands of the Pacific, or in Patagonia. If this were other-
wise, it is difficult to see why a progress commenced, and carried to points
of considerable success, should be afterwards fatally interrupted, as it cer-
tainly has been in many countries, as it was, for example, among the
mound builders on this continent. It is a notion unsupported by history,
that the inherent life of a people, associated in vicinity of residence, or
even allied by ties of blood, will of itself assure the final magnificent effect
of a prosperous, strong, and advancing society.

Nor can this be assured by any pleasantness of environment, with rich
and various physical opportunities thus set before peoples. Doubtless
the natural circumstances of climate, soil, vicinity to the sea, the fre-
quency and breadth of rivers, the reach of forests or of arable lands,
the proximity of mountains and hill-ranges, the accessible metallic and

SOURCES AND GUARANTEES OF NATIONAL PROGRESS 249

mineral resources — these have large effects on communities when the
force which works for civilization is established among them. But the
influence is secondary, not primary, of auxiliary rather than of cardinal
importance; and regions beautiful, healthful, fertile, have continued for
centuries the home of barbarians, while comparatively rugged and sterile
lands have only braced to new vigor the will of peoples, and pushed their
inventive and conquering force to a supremer activity. In comparison with
many others Scotland is a poor and unpromising country, but the strenu-
ous and disciplined energy of its sons has made it the seat of as noble
a civilization as the pages of history have to show ; while districts under
temperate skies, with navigable rivers, inexhaustible riches beneath the
soil, with fields only waiting the baptism of industry to make them bloom
in abounding harvests, remain the homes of the nomad or the savage.
We may not forget that our own country, with all the immeasurable
natural advantages which the European mind has discovered and used in
it, was possessed and used in their rude way, for ages which no one is able
to reckon, by the cliff dwellers, the mound builders, and by the tribes
which our fathers here met, which not only had not attained civilization,
which have shown themselves unready to accept under subsequent pressure
its limitations and its privilege. These smiling heavens beamed as brightly
over them as over us. The waters were as near, the open fields were as
inviting, to them as to us ; and no intervening commerce has brought to any
part of our country one element of wealth, in mine or quarry, in rippling
stream or opulent hillside, which was not as present to them as to us. It
is something behind all natural environment which gives to a people the
promise of progress. We have not found the secret of this when we have
measured the mountains in scales, and have counted the hills, when the
acreage of tillable land has been reckoned, and the push of streams against
mill wheels has been stated in figures. The depth saith, It is not in me !
and the sea saith, I cannot declare it! Neither sunshine nor dew, the fat-
tening rains, nor the breath of long summer, can build feeble communities
into great commonwealths, or crown the regions which they make attrac-
tive with the triumphs and trophies of a noble and happy human society.

Nor can this be done by the occasional extraordinary force of master
minds, rising above the general level, and giving teaching and impulse
to the ruder peoples among whom they appear. Such minds have their
conspicuous office, but we are prone to overestimate their effect, even
when the suddenness of their advent makes them impressive. Creative
spirits are excessively rare in human history. The most commanding sons
of men, like Gautama or Confucius, are apt to be followed by a moral

250 SOURCES AND GUARANTEES OF NATIONAL PROGRESS

childishness among the peoples whom they singularly surpass, and who
afterward look to them as ultimate models. Aside from such pre-eminent
instances, the most distinguished in any time hardly do more than set
forth existing tendencies with a fresh, perhaps a multiplying, energy.
They are gilded figures on a dial, marking a movement which they did
not initiate. Their influence is usually limited, sporadic, and the public
temper which it affects is likely to be confirmed by it rather than changed.
King Philip was not only an experienced warrior, but a passionate patriot,
and in some sense a statesmen. There have been others in the Indian
tribes, fervent of spirit, eloquent in speech, shrewd in plan, and discerning
of needs which they could not supply. But the influence of such men
never has brought, in thousands of years it would not bring, a true civil-
ization. That must spring from other sources ; must be erected and
maintained *by influences broader, more pervasive and permanent, and
more controlling.

Seeing the evident insufficiency of either of the forces which I have
named to account for the progress of different peoples toward the har-
mony, power, culture and character, which belong to an advanced society,
men are sometimes inclined to find an element of fatalism in it ; or, if
religious in tone, to discover a determining divine purpose in the develop-
ment of states — a purpose which does not necessarily doom certain peoples
to live in degradation, but which elects others to a finer and larger general
progress, and assigns to them historic positions for which they had not
been self prepared. An example of this is believed to be presented by the
Hebrew nation. More or less distinctly it is felt by many that the provi-
dential plan appearing in the Roman empire, and framing it to a majestic
arena for the victories of Christianity — the plan afterward indicated in the
tremendous collisions and comminglings of barbarous tribes in Central and
Southern Europe, out of which grew the great states of the continent — the
plan suggested in later times by the mighty advance of English and Ger-
man speaking peoples to commercial, political, educational pre-eminence,
one may fairly say to the leadership of the world — that all these show dis-
tinct selection on the part of Him who rules mankind, of communities to
serve him ; on which he bestows endowments and a training suited to his
purpose, which others do not share. I certainly do not question, I rever-
ently recognize, the beneficent cosmical plans of him who is on high. The
indication of them is as general in the Scriptures as is the sapphire tint on
the waters of the bay. Their reality approves itself to highest thought
and moral intuition. They give the only supernal dignity to what goes
on on this whirling orb, which arithmetic measures in miles and tons. To

SOURCES AND GUARANTEES OF NATIONAL PROGRESS 25 1

trace them is the philosophy of history. But I do not find that God
anywhere builds a nation to greatness by sheer exertion of arbitrary
power, any more than he covers rocks with wheat-sheaves or makes rivers
flow in unprepared courses, without rills behind. He works by means ;
and, in the development of modern states, by means which involve no ele-
ment of miracle. In our time, certainly, no people is made strong by him
in spite of itself. He opens the opportunity, supplies physical conditions,
gives needful faculty and the impulse to use it, and leaves communities to
work out for themselves the vast and complex practical problem. Not
even the Hebrew nation was made by him the monotheistic herald of the
gospel, except by means of the patriarchal training ; of the bondage in
Egypt, which taught civilization, but associated the alluring heathenism
with tyrannic oppression ; of the signal deliverance ; of long wandering in
the wilderness, succeeded by strange fruitfulness in Canaan ; of the storm
and stress of the time of the Judges; of pious and licentious kings, almost
equally testifying to the supreme value of a virtuous rule; of internal
division following always decay of worship ; of the exile to Babylon ; of
the final loss of national autonomy, and the raising of hated defiling stand-
ards above the hallowed courts of the Temple. The divine plan, even
here, clearly contemplated conditions and processes. It does so always,
in the education of nations ; and while all that we have, or that any
people has, is the gift of God, he has given it through means, which
for the most part our unassisted human thought can extricate and
trace.

So, again, we come back to our question, What are the conditions of
that slow but unfailing public progress which requires generations, per-
haps centuries, for accomplishment, but examples of which, with equally
signal examples of the want of it, we familiarly see ? To give a full
answer volumes would be needed. Some rapid suggestions of a partial
reply will not, I hope, unreasonably detain us.

Undoubtedly we must start with the assumption of a fairly strong
stock, not deficient in native vigor, at least not hopelessly drained of life
force by previous centuries of hereditary vice. God hath made of one
blood all nations of men, for to dwell on all the face of the earth, the
apostle instructs us. We may not dispute the inspired declaration. But
there may be original differences among peoples, in respect of capacity
and social aptitude, as there are among children of the same household ;
and certainly lust, laziness, cruelty, dominating an ancestry through long
periods, enthroned and transmitted in hereditary custom, associated with
religious observance and impressing the mind and spirit of generations,

252 SOURCES AND GUARANTEES OF NATIONAL PROGRESS

may work a depravation of moral and even of physical life which shall
make civilization in effect impossible.

There is a fateful Nemesis in history, and here it appears. One cannot
by any process build weeds into trees, or give to weak parasites the tough
and solid fibre of oaks. We are to work, for peoples as for persons, with
hopeful confidence in the instruments which have been elsewhere effective.
But for some, of either order, the day of redemption seems to have passed.
There are peoples which vanish, as by an evil necessity, before the incom-
ing of new arts and nobler thoughts, of the fresh aspiration and larger
obligation which belong to an advanced society ; while there are others
which stolidly and stubbornly resist these to the end, being apparently no
more susceptible to a pure and refining moral instruction than is iron slag
to the kiss of the sunshine. Like that they must be reduced, if at all, in
the fierce assault of furnace heats. The inhabitants of some of the Pacific
islands furnish sufficient examples of the one class. Illustrations of the
other appear not infrequently, with sad distinctness, among the coarser
savage tribes.

The most promising stock for a rich and progressive civilization is
probably always a mingled stock, in which different elements conspire,
and the life of various peoples finds a common exhibition. The Egyp-
tian, Assyrian, Roman annals illustrate this, as do those in later times of
the nations which now lead the march of mankind. The amalgam of
Corinthian brass, though the humbler metals of silver and copper were
mixed in it with gold, was a composite material of more renowned and
various use than either of the contributing metals. It might well have
been used, according to the old tradition, to fashion sacred vessels of the
Temple. So a composite national stock, in which concurrent elements
combine, from different yet related and assimilated tribes, is usually capa-
ble of largest patience and most persistent endeavor, while susceptible
also of finest polish. But even such a stock does not necessarily insure
the attainment of a noble civilization. In order to this supreme effect
particular traits must appear, inherent, constitutional, though constantly
reinforced as they ripen into habit.

One of these, a primary one, is readiness for labor, in any needed and
useful form, and for faithful continuance in such labor. Inhabitants of
regions where nature unassisted supplies food and raiment, shelter from
heats, with inviting opportunities for indolent pleasure, are enfeebled and
demoralized by their environment. The strongest will grows languid anc
limp when not challenged to an educating exertion. The general mind
intermits effort for which outward occasions do not call. The spirit sinks

SOURCES AND GUARANTEES OF NATIONAL PROGRESS 253

easily into contentment with a self-indulgent, care-free existence, vacant
of impulse, and equally vacant of well-earned success. If the instinct which
craves excitement continues, as doubtless it must, it will find its only
wretched satisfaction in feasting and in fights. Even a nomadic pastoral
people is almost sure to be satisfied with semi-civilized conditions, and to
be intent chiefly on protecting and multiplying the milk and flesh and
fleece of its flocks. The tribal government will be enough for it, and
moving tents, seeking ever " the pastures of the wilderness," will take the
place of established homes and rising cities. Civilization begins with
strenuous, patient, purposeful labor; and the more various and persistent
this labor, the surer and larger is the progress. Any people which shirks
it is predestined to decline. Ip leveling forests, subduing uncultured
lands to tillage, as barbarians do not ; in building houses, and combining
them in villages; in bridging streams, constructing public roads, finding
out and clearing practicable passes, in making nutritive grains replace the
wild grasses, and rearing the rude watermill or windmill to turn maize and
wheat into bread material; in damming or diverting streams, and rescuing
meadows from morasses; after a time, in piercing the earth with drills of
mine-shafts, and bringing fuel and wealth from beneath ; in forging metals,
fabricating utensils, supplying more abundantly the general equipment
and furniture of life; in all these ways and in others related, the labor
which is a vital condition of public progress challenges peoples : while other
larger works will follow; to facilitate interchange of products, intercom-
munication of thought and purpose between separated communities ; to
build villages into towns, and towns into statelier cities ; to conquer the
wider water spaces, after a time the sea itself, through vessels of greater
capacity and strength ; to furnish, in a word, the advancing society with
whatever it needs for comfort, security, augmented wealth, expanded
knowledge, a more satisfactory and diversified pleasure.

Intelligence comes thus, with an ever-increasing sense of vigor. Hope-
fulness and courage are born of work which tasks yet rewards. It teaches
economy, patience, forecast. The idea of property, if not thus sug-
gested, is confirmed and reinforced ; and the idea of property, against
which foolish or frantic sciolists passionately declaim, is a root idea
in social progress. Invention is stimulated, and machineries to make
labor more easy and fruitful are devised and elaborated. Government
tends, with sure advance, to become at once popular and strong, for the
conservation of interests and properties. It will not be long before the
instructed and stimulated mind of a people so trained will insist on
associating beauty of form with fineness of contrivance, and making

2 54 SOURCES AND GUARANTEES OF NATIONAL PROGRESS

aesthetic art an ally of industrial. Intellectual effort, of whatever sort,
is profoundly related to labor, finding inspiration in that to which it offers
beauty and breadth. Science begins in the tussle with nature. Philosophy
has its vital genesis, not in indolent day dreams, but in the serious thought
which accompanies work. Literature rises in grace and bloom from cloven
rocks and the upturned sod. Libraries and colleges have their roots in the
field. There is a sense, and a true one, in which the richest poetry of a
people, alive with fine thought and spiritual impulse, was in its inception
a Song of Labor. The spiritual thus follows the physical, in preordained
sequence ; and each generation, under such conditions, will tend to advance
on the preceding, the rugged roots to rise to the height and expand to
the fullness of a noble human society. Political ideologists are not of
much account in a young community. Effective popular industry is the-
indispensable foundation of real civilization. Whatever limits it — whether
slavery, which degrades it, or tyranny, which despoils it of reward, or
agrarian theories, which offer luxury to the lazy through plunder of the
laborious, or the fatuous indolence which does not care for the goods that
labor procures — everything of this sort makes social progress improbable
or impossible. The giant was refreshed when he touched the earth. Any
people that will grapple the stubborn soil, and make it yield sustenance and
riches, is sure to advance. Any people that will not, will only add another
skeleton to the multitudes of those strewing the caravan tracks of time.
" To labor is to pray " was an ancient maxim, within limits a true one.
Cruce et Aratro, by Cross and Plow, was a motto of the monks who civil-
ized Europe. Religion itself becomes a more educating power in com-
munities which take hold, with resolute energy, on the forces divine which
make the earth fruitful ; and the Gospel has a constant part of its civiliz-
ing power in the large honor which it puts upon labor: showing hands
which held the prerogative of miracles using common instruments; pre-
senting chiefest apostles as in more than one sense " master workmen."
The roughest regions become kindly cradles for peoples who will work.
The amplest continent, the most smiling skies, convey no promises to the
lazy.

But even such readiness for labor, in placid and congenial ways, is not
enough to build a people into virile and disciplined national strength.
There must be also a readiness for struggle, to defend and preserve what
labor acquires. It has been suspected, not without reason, that the early
cliff dwellers on this continent gave example of this need, who hollowed
for themselves cunning houses in the rocks, and fashioned implements of
pleasant industry from horn and bone, sometimes from stone, but who

SOURCES AND GUARANTEES OF NATIONAL PROGRESS 255

were apparently timorous in spirit, and whose silent disappearance is a
puzzle of history. Certainly no tribe with weak heart and drooping hands
has the promise of permanent national life. While nature and man con-
tinue what they are, every people must at times do battle for existence.
Wrestle as well as work is a condition of progress : wrestle against hostile
physical forces ; the fierce severities of climate, whose effects may be miti-
gated where the causes cannot be changed ; the powers of pestilence in
the air, the damp and deadly breath of swamps, or the destroying overflow
of streams ; against whirl of storms which only stanchest vessels can with-
stand, and solidest houses ; sometimes, as in Holland, against the inrush
of oceans, which rage along the yielding coasts and are only kept from
drowning the land by a dauntless spirit, putting forth the last efforts of
strength and skill. It is in such struggle that manhood is nurtured, and
the heroic element in a people finds keen incitement. The south wind
soothes, and clothes with sweet blooms the shores which it caresses. But
it is true now as when Kingsley wrote, that

*' — the black Northeaster,
Through the snowstorm hurled,
Drives our English hearts of oak
Seaward round the world;"

and any community which refuses the struggle against opposing elements
in nature, desiring only gentle satisfactions on salubrious plains fenced
about with ramparts of hills and responding at once to touch of industry,
may seem rapidly to secure an unusual measure pf happiness and of cult-
ure, but it will inevitably become morally weak, and will be likely to sink,
fat-witted and supine, into a silent but sure decay. Struggle is as neces-
sary to men as to man, in order to radical strength of character : and so
it is that sterile, harsh, and wind-swept regions have been often the homes
of conspicuous valor, energy, achievement. But not against threatening
physical forces, alone or chiefly, is such struggle to be made, or, as in our
early time, against craft and fierceness of man or beast. It must be made
against all inimical social forces, which limit or endanger social welfare.
No community not ready for this can reach dignity and power. So laws
against wrong-doing, with sharp penalties, speedily and unsparingly in-
flicted, are a necessary element in public development. They may be
sometimes ill considered, as doubtless they were, in prominent instances,
in the primitive New England. A mature system of wise legislation is no
more to be reached at a single step than a stately temple is to be reared
on ground from which stumps are not extracted, or a modern steamship

256 SOURCES AND GUARANTEES OF NATIONAL PROGRESS

to be constructed and launched on shores which have known nothing
larger than a yawl. But a system of law, designed to be just, certain to
be executed, and maintained and enforced with unflinching purpose Dy an
imperative public will — this is a sign and a fruit of the struggle which
every people must resolutely make against whatever would vitiate its life.
If, with a plethoric ungirt lassitude before difficult moral endeavors, it
leaves conduct to be guided by inclination and passion and capricious
self-will, the end will be ruin, and it will not be remote. Endicott was
utterly right in his conviction that great commonwealths could never be
built on Morton's plan at Merry Mount. By peoples, as by persons, life
has to be taken seriously, or it will not unfold in richest vigor; and the
seriousness of the public temper is expressed and reinforced not so much
by industry or commerce as by salutary laws.

So against oppressive governmental exactions every people must be
ready to struggle if it would grow to character and power. Rebellion is
often a condition of life, and readiness to rebel when tyranny brutally
limits and exacts is an element necessary to any noble popular development.
Defiance of an established order, when it becomes fettering and insolent,
is not destructive in final effect. It is often essential to highest progress ;
and popular revolutions, even desperate and bloody ones, from which
history fain would turn its eyes, have contributed more than theories
of philosophers or plans of statesmen to the foundation of beneficent
kingdoms. So, equally, of course, against a power from without which
assails a people content to grow up upon its own ground, and to seek its
welfare in un warlike ways. A war of aggression is always demoralizing.
A war of defense is as legitimate, on occasion as indispensable, as is the
local execution of law, or the force which breaks a ruffian clutch on child
or wife. Such were the wars which our fathers faced, against Indian
ferocity pushed to the onset by civilized craft. Such was, in fact, the war
of the Revolution ; and such was the terrible civil war, which was needful
to establish for coming centuries the indivisible unity of the nation. The
national flag which floated then, and which floats to-day, over army and
navy and halls of legislation, over the Capitol of the country, and over its
furthest mining-camp, was the symbol of continental welfare, which might
conceivably be shattered and buried in the terrific shock of arms, but
which would not with consent give way before the forces represented in
council and in battle by the alien flag of the Stars and Bars.

This was only the culminating conflict in a history rough with opposing
policies and moral collisions. It may be hoped that it will be the last in
which navies shall be mustered and armies set within our realm. But it

SOURCES AND GUARANTEES OF NATIONAL PROGRESS 257

is as evident from our annals as from those of other peoples, during the
recent two centuries and a half, that readiness for struggle when occasion
demands, as well as for quiet and prosperous labor, is a needful condition
of national progress. Until millennium is here the necessity for contest
against what threatens society hardly will cease ; and if rapacious and brutal
forces, within a state or around it, are not to be left to be lords of its des-
tiny, if industry is not to be fatally discouraged, progress arrested, charac-
ter impoverished, society wrecked, an advancing community must be ready
in spirit for any sore struggle whenever the fateful hour has come.

Something beyond even readiness for struggle must go to the building
of permanent states out of small communities : a readiness for sacrifice, in
free subordination of local or individual aims to public welfare. This is
not that efTacement of the individual on behalf of the state which was the
demand of ancient philosophy. It does not involve that extinction of
local aspiration and right, in favor of more general aggrandizement on
which modern theory sometimes insists. The surrender which it contem-
plates is intelligent and free, and the temper which prompts this is no
exceptional religious temper, nor one that demands special fineness of
nature. It often appears among ruder peoples quite as distinctly as among
the more cultured, and is perhaps most effective in the simpler societies.
But everywhere it is needed as an element of strength. It implies simply
a prevalent sense of the principal value of general welfare as that in which
local or personal interests are essentially infolded, which therefore it is
duty and privilege to promote, at the cost of whatever may be required.
Wherever this spirit appears, the readiness for labor and the readiness for
struggle are ethically ennobled, while the latter especially is kept from
unfolding into that destructive passion for war which has blinded and
blasted so many efforts for civilization, which is to-day the fiery curse of
barbarous people, in all parts of the earth. Becoming established among
any people, this spirit which seeks with chief enthusiasm the public
advancement, and is ready to serve and sacrifice to secure that, will
become, as knowledge increases and thought is widened, a constant
power of pacification ; while within the state it is the force, beyond any
other which works for moral organization. A vital unity is its product ;
completely differenced from the superficial combinations which are all that
commercial ties can compass, or that can be secured by military clamps.
" Public spirit " is what we properly call this temper, which looks first at
the commonwealth and then at the local or personal interest.

Of course the exact opposite of this often is shown, even in states
where a large prosperity seems to have been reached. It is shown,

Vol. XXIV.-No. 4.— 17

258 SOURCES AND GUARANTEES OF NATIONAL PROGRESS

for example, by ruling classes, whether limited to a few or embracing
many, who are chiefly intent on confirming or enlarging class privilege,
and to whom the proposal seems offensive to suspend or discard this
for the general welfare. It is shown, on the other hand, as distinctly,
by the anarchist, who insists on unhindered personal freedom for the
gratification of every impulse ; to whom law is not a majestic ordinance for
the conservation and furtherance of society, but a malicious contrivance
of craft, against which it is noble to fight ; who would wreck the state to
have his way. All lawlessness, in fact, involves the same element ; while
the law-abiding temper is not selfish or abject, but large-minded and
chivalric. It is the true and noble loyalty; which does not imply attach-
ment to a person, or to an officer, but fealty to law, and which deserves the
place that it holds in the honor of the wise. It says, in effect, this loyal
temper, that reserving the rights of conviction and conscience it will yield
to the formulated public will; will cheerfully subordinate personal interest
and forego advantage for the larger well-being; will serve or suffer, or, if
need be, will die, that the state may live, and its noblest welfare be secure.
This is a spirit which tends always to confirm yet to regulate the institutes
of government ; to make laws benign, that they may be worthy of accept-
ance and homage. It lifts patriotism from the level of an impetuous sen-
timent to the height of a generous moral passion, fine in impulse, emulous
of good works wherever they are seen. Institutes of learning and of
charity will be sure to spring up under its inspiration, to be continually
invigorated in life and enriched in resources ; while the ideas and policies
which are felt to be essential to public progress will take fresh sovereignty
in thoughtful minds, and will easily evoke the martyr' temper; such as
was shown by those who fell on English fields in defense of the ancient
liberties of the realm, or who lingered uncomplaining amid the darkness
and filth of dungeons ; such as was shown by those who went from small
hamlets and scattered farms to meet the British and Hessian troops in our
Revolution — only regretting, like Nathan Hale, that they had each but a
single life to give for the country ; such as was shown by those who went
lately from Sunday-school and church, and from beloved Christian homes,
to wounds and death, and the long pining in rebel prisons, on behalf of
national unity and honor — and by the women who sent them thither.

In its early exhibition this temper will, of course, be crude and imper-
fect. Among some peoples it may seem wholly wanting. But it is as
necessary to public progress as air is to life; and wherever it exists,
in vital germ, it holds the promise of prosperous advance. A people
of a strong stock, ready for labor, ready for struggle, and capable of

SOURCES AND GUARANTEES OF NATIONAL PROGRESS 259

sacrifice on behalf, not of personal interests, but of general advance-
ment, will rise toward greatness in spite of whatever obstacles of nature
or resistance of man. Its progress will be almost as certain as the
motion of stars. A people morally incapable of this, and eager to subor-
dinate public welfare to divergent personal aims, cannot be made great by
any surroundings, or any fortunate admixture of bloods in its primitive
stock. It was power which made the world. It was sacrifice which
redeemed it. And this is the diviner element by which its peoples must
achieve their chiefest progress. The temper which is ready to make the
work of a lifetime a stepping-stone for others, to toil and to die that the
nation may prosper, and that other generations may reach a larger and
lovelier well-being — this is the temper which honors human nature, which
gives an almost perennial fame to the regions where it rules, and which
shows to the world illustrious presage. The icy cliffs and chasms of
Switzerland hardly offer inviting homes to those whose lives have been
passed upon plains; yet labor and struggle have built there rich cities,
have made narrow valleys laugh with harvests, have terraced hills for
fruitful vineyards, have cut channels in astonishing curves through the
rocky heart of mountains, while the temper, common to many, which
blazed into historic exhibition in him who swept into welcoming bosom the
many deadly spears at Sempach, to break a breach in the serried phalanx
ranked behind, has made that beetling crest of Europe an eyrie of liberty.
I have spoken in this cursory and inadequate fashion of the forces re-
quired to give coherence, security, growth to small communities, building
colonies into states, groups of hamlets into republics or empires. It is
important to notice that all these forces — readiness for labor, for just and
self-protective struggle, with the temper which prompts to personal sac-
rifice for commanding common ends — will appear most surely, in fruitful
and abiding vigor, wherever a people, however recent or remote, feel itself
related responsibly and usefully to other peoples, to the world's history,
and to the governing scheme of God's kingdom on earth ; where, in other
words, it has an apprehension of those supreme facts which the Bible de-
clares, especially concerning nations, as divinely ordained to be co-operat-
ing forces in a sublime cosmical progress, and concerning millennial times
to come. Where this large conception of things widens, exalts, and rein-
forces the mind and spirit of a people there is surer stability, with the
promise of a progress vital and organic, not artificial. The popular char-
acter is ennobled. Expansion of outlook becomes habitual. In leading
minds consecration appears to world-effects, and to peoples as to persons
consecration is a prime condition of power. Where such subtile and

26o SOURCES AND GUARANTEES OF NATIONAL PROGRESS

immense moral impressions are permanently wanting, no advantage of sur-
roundings, no variety and brilliance of force in the people itself, suffice to
fill the large place of the element which is missed.

More than anything else it was the want of this superlative force
which made the ancient kingdoms weak, in spite of superb endowments
of nature. The wealth of the Egyptian valley, or of the ampler Assyrian
plains, the stimulating suggestions of sea and sky and purpled hills in
the fortunate states of Greece — these were not enough, even as connected
with singular intellectual powers, to assure the lasting prosperity of states.
The diviner elements needful for this were conspicuously wanting, and
whatever shows only a mundane vigor wastes and crumbles in the shock
of collisions or under the grinding attrition of time. Probably the most
colossal examples given in history of extreme popular weakness beneath
glowing skies and in the midst of shining riches — a weakness surely moral
in origin rather than physical — were offered on this hemisphere a century
and more before this infant settlement began. Men marvel still at the
terrifying suddenness with which the Aztec empire went down, or a little
later that of the Incas, before the shock of Spanish invasion. One secret
of it lies far in the past. It was not merely firearms and horses which
enabled the few to conquer millions. It was not merely a pleasure-loving
passivity of temper in the vast and luxurious empires assailed which
exposed them to the terrific crash. The native spirit in either empire was
not despicable. It was apt for contrivance, skillful in workmanship, with
a patience and fortitude which rose at times to heroic exhibition. But
the empires were childish-puerile in fear before imagined malign divini-
ties, cruel accordingly in religious custom, without general knowledge,
strength of character, public aspiration, or disciplined purpose. So the
treasures which they amassed became their ruin. Incantations were idle,
sacrifices vain. Their pompous ceremonial was as tinder before flame, as
tinseled paper before the stroke of steel-head lances, when smitten by a
destroying civilized onset ; and that onset took part of its terrible force,
indirectly and remotely, from the religion on which it put a lasting shame.
Personally graceless and godless as they were, unsparingly condemned in
the world's tribunal, the invaders showed an energy derived in part from
the long dominance over their ancestors of supernal ideas. Their vigor
had not come alone from the mixed Iberian blood. It had come in part
from that stimulating faith, of whose law and spirit they showed no trace,
but which in centuries preceding had subdued and invigorated Vandal
and Visigoth, and built Spain to a power which then its representatives,
at home and abroad, displayed and disgraced.

SOURCES AND GUARANTEES OF NATIONAL PROGRESS 26l

It was the same impalpable force of sovereign ideas, however im-
perfectly apprehended, which pushed into growing moral unity the jealous
and fighting German tribes, and prepared them to be the great power
which they have been in the world's civilization. Charlemagne had
builded better than he knew, and had done the Saxons an inestimable
service, if only for this world, when he hammered them relentlessly, in
tremendous campaigns, into formal acceptance of these paramount ideas.
Once accepted, and working more and more into the inner life of the
people, subordinating yet exalting and multiplying its native strength, they
have brought the development which now the world sees, and in which
is one great promise of its future. Other tribes, of a natural vigor not
inferior, continue in a sullen, and so far as their own resource is concerned
a hopeless barbarism, because, in spite of generous gifts and of dormant
heroic elements, they want the uplift of supernal instruction. They are
isolated and enfeebled by local idolatries, degrading fetichism. Only a
breath from above can transform them, and turn stagnant decay into pros-
perous progress. So it is that the Bible becomes the grand civilizing force
on the earth ; that every fervent and faithful missionary helps forward the
simple or savage peoples, or the partially civilized, among whom he labors,
not toward the heavens only, but toward a nobler human society. So it
is that the Lord's Day, carefully maintained for public religious instruction
and worship, remains a vital guarantee of the state ; and that whatever
discredits the Revelation concerning God, man, the future, the rule which
nations are bound to obey, the providence which is over them, the ulti-
mate ends which they are to serve, strikes not only at personal character,
but at the essential well-being of society. Any nation losing reverence
for that which has come from higher spheres, through prophets and
apostles, and by the lips and life of the Son, becomes suicidal in tendency
and effect if not in intent. Of the most advanced, it is true now as it
was of Israel, that the Law is its life. And any tribe, however obscure —
hidden behind coral reefs, buried in the shades of African jungles — if it
vitally accept the supreme ideas with which the Bible is eternally instinct
will grow in greatness of spirit and of strength. If its vigor has not been
hopelessly wasted by previous centuries of lust, animalism, ferocious igno-
rance, it will come to be a nation, or an important component part of one,
and will continue such while it retains the life-giving faith. Obedience to
the truth which is opened before us in the Word of the Highest holds the
promise of this life, as of that which is to come ; and moral forces, which
infidels assail, and at which men of the world disdainfully sniff, are im-
mortally supreme in the development of civilization. The first popular

262 SOURCES AND GUARANTEES OF NATIONAL PROGRESS

election known in Japan was held there last month. Feudalism has dis-
appeared ; a constitution has been established ; the old theory of paternal
government gives place to the theory of one directly representative of the
people : and in November the first parliament ever assembled in those
Islands of the Morning is to open its sessions. The best hopes may be
entertained for the future of the empire so long secluded from the civil-
ized world, which now seeks eagerly to range itself abreast with advanced
states. But these hopes, in thoughtful minds, will not rest wholly or
chiefly on the aptitude of the people for industry, economy, the pursuit
of information, or for trade, debate, and their peculiar forms of art. They
will not rest chiefly on the lines of railway and telegraph there being con-
structed, or on the annual imports and exports of fifty-odd millions.
They will find a' surer support in the fact that the Bible is now, and is
always to be, a Japanese book; that many thousands of its people have
grouped themselves in Christian churches; and that multitudes more are
accessible to the truth which comes to, men through both the Testaments.
The Bible is a lifting force which does not break. A Christianized state
is full of vitality, not subject to decay. The future of Japan is in the hands
of those who honor God's Word, and whose joy it is to make it known.

At the end of this imperfect discussion two things, I am sure, come
distinctly to view. One, an interpretation of that which is past in our
national career; the other, a prophecy of that which is to come. We
cannot miss the essential secret of the extraordinary progress which has
been realized by the American people since its prophetic germs appeared.
The progress has been wonderful, but not magical. It has outrun prece-
dent, and implied the guidance of a Providence in the heavens, but has
involved no element of miracle.

The settlement here, to which our thoughts to-day go back, fairly
represented the others made at about the same time along our coast, with
others afterward in the interior. Indeed, recent ones at the West, made
in the lifetime of many among us, show generally similar characteristics.
Of a strong stock, in which were commingled different strains of kindred
blood, trained to labor and self-control, with hereditary instincts claim-
ing freedom as a right and not shrinking before arbitrary force, the early-
inhabitants of this hamlet were planted on a soil offering scant promise
to indolence, but an ample reward for faithful work. They were ready
for labor, ready for struggle, accustomed to subordinate personal con-
venience to public welfare, and thoroughly possessed, through their
fathers and by personal conviction, of the vital and magisterial truths
which had come by the Bible. It was almost impossible, therefore, that

SOURCES AND GUARANTEES OF NATIONAL PROGRESS 263

their public life should not continue and be developed with constant
energy. Their primitive property was not large, though for the time it
was respectable. There is a touch of unconscious pathos in the brief
inventories of their household belongings. They had few of our familiar
instruments, fewer of our conveniences, none of our luxuries. They
could not manufacture, and they could not import. Tea and coffee they
knew nothing of; spices and condiments, of whatever sort, they could
not buy ; of fruits they at first had none at all, save the wild fruits plucked
from bushes or vines. Corn-meal and milk provided chief nourishment ;
" Rye and Indian " made their bread-stuff ; and our finer wheat flour
would have seemed to them almost as wonderful as did the manna, the
angels' food, to the children of Israel. Clocks, carpets, lamps, stoves,
they did not possess. Little glass was in their windows; almost less
money was in their purses. Few books were in their homes ; no pictures ;
and probably the only musical instrument was the pitch-pipe. Men
to-day cast away on a desert island, if saving anything from the fittings and
cargo of the wrecked ship, would doubtless start with a larger apparatus of
the furniture of life than the founders of this village possessed. But civ-
ilization can be built without a carpeted base. The piano is not neces-
sary, may not always contribute, to social harmony. Glass is a conven-
ience, but rain and snow can be excluded by wooden shutters, and light
will pass, not wholly obscured, through oiled paper. Books are good, if
of a good sort ; but large collections of them are not indispensable to the
founders of states, and more of moral manhood can be learned from hard-
ship and toil than from all the volumes on crowded shelves. Some way,
no doubt, must be devised for'measuring and recording time, in order to
the useful regulation of life, in order to any intelligible sequence in general
affairs. But this may be done, well enough for the purpose, by the dial
or hour-glass ; and no English or Swiss watches were needed here when
trains did not start on the minute, and horse-races were as wholly in the
future as were telephone wires or naphtha launches. No doubt the life
had sharp privations, was in many respects a bleak and hard one, which
the physically feeble could hardly sustain, from which the morally weak
might shrink. But the men had that in them, the women too, which was
more important than any aids to a cheerful convenience.

They had the robust strength of soul to which all else is merely aux-
iliary, which can dispense with all else and still perform distinguished
service. Though their lands, unused to civilized handling, required inces-
sant expenditures of labor, they were ready for these. Though sur-
rounded by tribes easily becoming suspicious and hostile, and accustomed

264 SOURCES AND GUARANTEES OF NATIONAL PROGRESS

to obey every impulse of greed or anger, they were ready to fight- for the
lands which they had bought, and for the small homes which they had
reared. If their life gave no chance for ease or luxury, was not gay and
was not picturesque, it had its opportunities and its general relations. The
lands and waters by which they were encompassed supplied a livelihood,
with something to lay up. With the Bible open in every household, and
schools established to teach children to read it, they felt themselves re-
lated to other regions, to other times, to great plans of Providence, and to
future effects contemplated by these. The nearly fifty university men
who were in Massachusetts before 1640, the nearly one hundred who were
in New England within ten years after — most of them ministers, and many
from Emanuel College — may not have added notable reinforcement to the
physical sinews which, with ax and mattock, spade and plowshare, were
striving to subdue the waste, but they brought large thoughts of God and
his ways, and they made the religion for which they were exiles an ele-
ment of unequalled power in the early colonial life. So the church was
the central fact in this place, and the minister of religion was a principal citi-
zen. He did not ask such place of leadership ; it came to him as naturally
as buds break from their sheaths in spring. Men came to worship, sum-
moned probably by conch-shell or horn, with matchlocks ready, which
rested during the long service on gun-racks still affectionately preserved.
They were guarded at their worship by armed sentinels, but the worship
was not intermitted. The eternities touched time, God spoke to their
souls, through the austere and solemn discourse. Their prayers were of
faith, if in form not liturgic. If their singing was rude, their tunes few,
the temper of praise was vocal in the dissonance, and toears on high the
seraph's song may not have borne a higher tribute. The Lord's Day was
the day of general communion with the Invisible. The very stilling of all
sounds of labor or of laughter was a sermon concerning the things supreme.
The meeting-house was at once church, fortress, and town hall, in which
secular affairs were discussed and decided, not merely as a matter of
present convenience, but because secular things as done for God's service
became also sacred, and the Southold hamlet had its part to do for the
Divine glory. The Mosaic law was at first its sufficient code ; and a man
must be in personal covenant with God, and with his people, to have voice
and vote in public affairs.

These and other related facts are happily set forth in that excellent
history of the town during its first century which has been prepared by
him, for forty years the pastor of the church here, in whose presence with
us we rejoice, and to whom we look for subsequent volumes, continuing

SOURCES AND GUARANTEES OF NATIONAL PROGRESS 265

the narrative to our day. The history which he has carefully investigated
and affectionately recited is not romantic in its incidents and drapery, but
it infolds the strong forces which I have indicated, and it presents in
clearest view the sources and guarantees which here existed, from the
beginning, of the virile and fruitful American life. As science finds the
oak microscopically exhibited in the living acorn, so here we find the vital
germs and sure predictions of vast subsequent progress and power. It is
this robust and resolute life, which sea and wilderness could not daunt, and
which early privation only trained to new vigor, which has shown itself in
the following career of the people whose beginnings we love to remember.
It has subdued regions stretching further and further toward the sunset,
till they abut on the shores of the Pacific. It has largely assimilated the
diverse elements drawn to our coasts with incessant attraction from foreign
lands. It has set itself against formidable political problems, and has
found or forced fair answers to them. It has uncovered mines, launched
a vast shipping on lakes and rivers, supplied to the country, in a measure
to the world, an industrial apparatus of unrivalled effectiveness, built
cities by hundreds, towns by thousands, and laid down ways of travel and
commerce to the furthest borders which pioneers reach. It has made
education more universal than in almost any other country, and has sent
the institutions and the influence of religion wherever the log hut has
been raised, wherever the camp-fire shows its smoke. In a measure, cer-
tainly, it has kept alive the early ideal of a nation made by the gospel, as
Cotton Mather said that our towns were, and applying its principles to
public conduct. Without jealousy or excessive ambition it has sought
substantially such prosperity as could be wrought by the hard hand of
labor, and defended in emergency by the mailed hand of war, and, there-
fore, in defiance of whatever obstacle, it has brought the nation out
of poverty and through blood to its present place of distinction in the
world, and has linked it in relations of amity, correspondence, and mutual
respect, with the great states of Christendom.

As long as this life continues unwasted it will be ready for greater
tasks, whatsoever they may be, which the future shall present. The shift-
ing of power from one party to another will no more seriously check its
operation than the shifting of tides in yonder bay defiles and dries the
changing waters. The removal of leaders will no more stay the immense
impersonal popular progress than the extinction of lighthouse lamps arrests
the morning. Immigration from abroad, though coming in blocks, from
lands whose training has been different from ours, will not retard the
public progress, or start persistent antagonizing currents. It will steadily

266 SOURCES AND GUARANTEES OF NATIONAL PROGRESS

disappear in the expanding American advance, as ice-cakes vanish in
flowing streams. Even an increasing corruption in cities has its only real
threat in its tendency to impregnate with a malign force the national
life. Our future history is as secure as that of the past if only that moral
life remains which was in the founders of these commonwealths, when
peril did not frighten or hardship discourage them, and when their rude
daily experience took from the Bible a consecration and a gleam. If this
shall continue, vitally integrating, nobly animating, perennially renewing
the nation which started from their seminal work, no bound appears to its
possible progress. It will have the continent for its throne, the ages for
its inheritance. But if this fails, all fails. Multiplying riches will not then
protect, will only indeed more fatally expose us. Democratic institutions
will show no power of self-support. Any eloquence of speakers or of the
press can only add a glitter to decay. Alienation and collision, confusion
and division, will follow swiftly on moral decline ; and our history will
have to be written, as that of other peoples has been, as signalized at
times by great advance, and passing through periods of splendid achieve-
ment, but closing at last in disaster and dishonor.

We may confidently hope that this is not to be. I am certainly no
pessimist. I wrould not be rash, but I cannot despond. I have profound
faith in God's purposes for the people which he so wonderfully planted
and trained, and which he has conducted to such marvelous success. I
have a strong faith in the people itself. I do not wonder that political
theorists stand aghast before this huge, unmanageable, democratic nation,
which defies precedent, traverses disdainfully speculative programmes, and
lurches onward with irresistible energy, in spite of whatever philosophical
forecasts. But I believe, after all, in the distributed American people. It
means to be honest ; it is not afraid of what man can do ; and it is capa-
ble of surpassing enthusiasms. Pessimism may spring from a scholarly
temper, which shrinks from rude contacts, and is offended by vulgar
boasts; which insists on immediate accomplishment of ideals, and would
have the Golden Age sent by express ; which is therefore impatient and
easily discouraged if a nation cannot be instantly turned, like a school or
a parish, to better ways. But, practically, pessimism in this country, so far
as I have observed, is a fashion with condescending critics, not commonly
born among us, whose residence is too recent, their, stake in the general
welfare too slight, to allow much weight to their opinions ; or else it is
the weak cant of a native dudish class, despising the work which was
honored by the fathers, shining in club-rooms rather than in warehouses
or on the exchange, with no animating sense of the verities of faith, too

SOURCES AND GUARANTEES OF NATIONAL PROGRESS 267

sensitive to noise to enter a caucus, too dainty of touch to handle ballots,
and wanting everything, from trousers to statutes, to be " very English."
The vigorous and governing mind of the nation is not pessimistic ; and
those who with shrill and piping accents utter prophecies of alarm have
as little effect on its courageous confidence and hope as so many sparrows
on the housetops. I think, for one, that the nation is right. Party spirit,
often violent, sometimes brutal, may start fear in the timid ; but party
spirit, with whatever of either vulgarity or venom, is not as intense and
not as threatening as it was in this country a half-century ago. Political
chicanery may frighten some, as if the foundations were out of course, but
it cannot work effects as disastrous as have been some which the nation
has survived. Our rulers may not always be ideal men, as heroes or proph-
ets, any more than are their censors ; but they are fairly capable and
faithful, and whether elected by our votes or not we may reasonably
expect that the republic will take no detriment from them. The nation
is still morally sound at the centres of its life ; intelligent, reverent, law-
abiding. Its rulers and policies are on the whole as far-sighted as they
ever have been. Its readiness to apply the principles of ethics to social
usage and to law is as keen as at any time in the century.

But if a time shall ever come when labor has ceased to have honor among
us, with the bread earned in the sweat of the brow, when a passion for sudden
wealth, no matter how gained, becomes paramount in the land, and lux-
urious surroundings stir the strongest desire in eager spirits; when high
mental exercise fails to attract men, and general education ceases to be
held a vital condition of public welfare ; when plans of salutary social
reform are left to amuse the leisure of the few, but fail to engage the pop-
ular heart or to stir with fresh thrills the public pulse ; if a day shall come
when the nation is content to live for itself,, and to leave other peoples
without the help of its benign influence, when patriotic aspiration is lowered
accordingly to the flat levels of commercial acquisition and party success,
when men of the higher capacity and character cease to concern themselves
with political duty, and leave it to professional leaders and expert traders
in votes, when laws therefore come to be matters of purchase, and ceas-
ing to represent public judgment and conscience, cease to possess moral
authority ; if a time shall come, in other words, when self-indulgence and
moral inertness take the place in the country of the earnest, faithful, stren-
uous spirit which built this hamlet, and all the others out of which the
nation has grown — then we shall do dishonor to the fathers, and the his-
tory which began in unflinching toil and a superb sacrifice will close in
shame. It is not at all as a minister of religion, but as an independent

268 SOURCES AND GUARANTEES OF NATIONAL PROGRESS

observer of society, that I add my conviction that if such a time shall ever
come it will be when the Bible shall have lost its power for the general
mind, and the day which hallows all the week shall have no more sacred-
ness or prophecy on it for the popular thought ; when the supreme vision
of God and his government, and of his designs concerning this nation,
shall have failed to move and uplift men's souls as it did beneath the
Puritan preaching ; and when the desire to glorify him and to hasten the
coming of the kingdom of his Son, which in all the loneliness and the
poverty of the fathers was to them an inspiration, shall have failed to
instruct and ennoble their children. If this shall be, the physical will not
survive the moral. The coal and copper, the silver and wheat, will not
assure the national greatness if the illustrious organific ideas shall have
vanished from its sky. It will be the old story repeated ; of decaying
wood at the centre of the statue beneath casings of ivory, plates of gold.

It is for us, and for each of us in his place, to do what we may, and all
that we may, to avert an issue so sad and drear ! We must do it in the
spirit which here of old set village and church in charming beauty amid
what then were forest shades. If we do not accept all the laws of the
fathers, we must, like them, have the armor of righteousness on the right
hand and the left. Whether or not we worship according to their precise
forms, we must hold as they did to the supreme facts which give glory to the
Scriptures. Our fight will not be with enemies like theirs, the gray wolf,
the painted savage ; but it must be as unyielding as theirs, against what-
ever of evil surrounds us. Let us try so to stand in our place in the world
as they would have stood if to them had been appointed our present rela-
tions to the country, to mankind. Let our highest love, next to that for
God and for the household, be for the nation which they baptized in tears
and struggle, " with water and with blood." Let us always remember that
next in honor, and in importance of work, to those who are called to found
commonwealths are those to whom, in milder times, with ampler means, but
in the same unshaken spirit, it is given to maintain them ! And may the
blessing of Him whom they saw like one of old, an unconsuming splendor
in the wilderness bush, be upon U3, as it was upon them, till the expand-
ing prosperity of the nation which had its seed-field in their cabins
widens and brightens into such consummations as even their majestic faith
could not expect ! And unto him, their God and ours, be all the praise!

Brooklyn, N. Y.

^ //Z-r^

THE AMERICAN FLAG AND JOHN PAUL JONES

The origin of the flag of the United States is a matter of the highest
interest to every American citizen, as it indicates the conception which
our forefathers had of the sovereignty of the United States as a nation
shortly after the Declaration of Independence, and some twelve years
before the adoption of the Constitution.

The question of nationality was not at first a pressing one. The
colonies were in a struggle simply with the mother country. No third
power was involved. It was quite a different matter as soon as ships of
war were afloat on the high seas, and likely without a flag to be challenged
by any nation as piratical cruisers.

The continental congress, as early as November 25, 1775, felt the
necessity of a navy. Merchant vessels had been seized and rifled of their
cargoes by British men-of-war. The town of Falmouth had been de-
stroyed and its population dispersed. On that day they resolved to fit
out " armed vessels and ships of force" for their protection.* On Novem-
ber 28, the congress adopted " rules for the regulation of the navy of the
United Colonies." December 11 they established a " naval committee "
to devise means for furnishing the colonies with a naval armament.
December 13, thirteen vessels of war were directed to be fitted out, each
at a cost of $66,666. The names of these original vessels of war are in-
teresting. " The Congress, Randolph, Hancock, Washington, Trumbull,
Raleigh, Effingham, Montgomery, Warren, Boston, Virginia, Providence,
and Delaware"^ On December 22, naval officers were appointed by
congress, with Esek Hopkins as commander-in-chief. Among the lieu-
tenants will be noticed the name of John Paul Jones, in later years so
famous.

On September 19, 1776, the naval committee reported that they had
fitted out eight armed vessels, at a cost of $134,3334 *n November of
this year bounties were offered for making prize of British vessels of war,
and the rank of officers in the navy assimilated to those in the army, an
admiral holding rank equal to that of general, a vice-admiral to that of
lieutenant-general, while a rear-admiral was equalized with a major-general,
and a commodore with a brigadier. §

* Journals of Continental Congress, i., 240, 241. f Id. ii., 193.

\ Journals, ii., 340. § Journals of November 15, 1776.

270 THE AMERICAN FLAG AND JOHN PAUL JONES

The navy was in its early history plainly inefficient. Congress in one
of its resolutions declared one of the captains to be a person of doubtful
character and suspended him. A little later they cashiered twelve lieu-
tenants for unlawful combinations to extort increase of pay, declaring
them to be incapable of holding any commission or authority of the
" United States."

All this time congress kept its eye on John Paul Jones. He was made
a captain in the navy March 15, 1777, and assigned provisionally to a speci-
fied ship, apparently of an inferior grade, " until better provision can be
made for him." This " better provision " was found on June 14, when
Captain John Roach was suspended from the command of " the ship
Ranger" and Jones was appointed in his place.

It is on this eventful day, June 14, 1777, that " the flag of the thirteen
United States " is first heard of. The resolution creating it is brief, simple,
and nobly suggestive : " Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United
States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white ; that the Union be
thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing A NEW CONSTELLATION."
The words are the words of heraldry, but the underlying thought is sub-
lime. Three of these arrest and absorb the attention. (1) The congress
is ordaining a flag, the symbol of sovereignty all over the civilized world.
A flag imports a nation. It implies a political body entitled to be a
member of the family of nations, entitled to the rights and bound by the
obligations of international law. It may be objected that these so-called
rebels could not by their own unlawful act of rebellion force themselves
into the family of nations. But that is not the question. The sole point
which at this distance of time engages our attention is, What did these
men intend ? What was their purpose and ultimate aim ? The undoubted
answer is, that they designed to assert to the world that they constituted
a single and indivisible nation. (2) They call the political organizations
which they represent the " United States." They have advanced far
since July 4, 1776, a period of time less than one year. Then they were
" United Colonies," calling themselves, it is true, also, " United States," but
the colonial feeling held sway. Now they are " United States " simply —
nothing more, nothing less. They are " United States " not with thirteen
standards carried together, but with one indivisible flag. (3) The con-
gressional statesmen construe and interpret the meaning of the flag which
they adopt. It represents a " new constellation." They do not intend to
form a mere collection of stars having no apparent order or design. A
" constellation " exists not in the stars themselves, but in the mind of
man, which sees in them a purpose or plan, figuring them perhaps as some

THE AMERICAN FLAG AND JOHN PAUL JONES 2J\

being capable of thought and reflection, and having a never-ending con-
tinuity of existence as well as an unchanging unity. The framers of this
resolution doubtless had in view the words of the poet Dryden :

" A constellation is but one,
Though 'tis a train of stars."

The present constellation differed from all others of the time in being
new. It was hung in the political heavens on the day when the new flag
first floated on the breeze. Like a true constellation, it was never to fade
out, but to continue forever in the observance of order, in obedience to
law, with immortal loveliness. Such was the thought of these ancestors
of ours. Is it not well that they were optimists and not pessimists?

Having thus ordained the flag, the next thing was to provide some
worthy person to carry it aloft and to exhibit it in every land. Who so
worthy as Captain John Paul Jones? In the same hour he was appointed
by the congress to command the " continental ship-of-war Ranger" Cap-
tain John Roach being at the same moment suspended from command.

The unreserved confidence of the congress in Jones was shown by an
extraordinary power in substance conferred upon him to select his officers
and crew.*

The circumstance that the flag was adopted on the same day with the
appointment of Jones, without any intervening act, was not accidental.
It was of set, deliberate purpose. It was a practical necessity. Jones was
a Scotchman, a natural son it is said of Craig of Arbigland, a gentleman
by blood, who repudiated the parentage. The son coming to this coun-
try added the name of Jones to that of John Paul, which his unnatural
father had caused him to bear at home. On entering the American ser-
vice he was not merely a rebel in English view, but a traitor, " adhering
to the enemies of England, giving them aid and comfort." He needed all
the protection that a flag could give him, so that if captured he might
have some claim to be treated as a prisoner of war. We may fairly assume
that when the flag was prepared and the Ranger was about to go forth on
her lonely adventure, the "naval committee" made to the commander
the first official present of " the flag of the United States " that was ever
made, urging that he might be encouraged by it to deeds of daring, linked
with honor and humanity, upon the high seas. We may also suppose that
as Jones paced the deck of the Ranger on the star-lit nights, his eyes were
turned toward the northern constellation that was to guide his way toward

* Journals, iii., 194.

2J2 THE AMERICAN FLAG AND JOHN PAUL JONES

the enemy, thinking of that " new constellation " and its beautiful emblem
which were destined in later years to guide so many of the outcast and
poor in their heroic struggles with the adversities of life.

The achievements of the Ranger are henceforward a matter of the
most stirring events of our history. All the world knows how in 1777
Jones made such gallant use of the Ranger as for weeks to keep the shores
of England and Scotland in constant terror, and how on the twenty-third
of September, 1779, in n^s poor ship, well called the Poor Richard, he grap-
pled with a powerful British man-of-war, the Serapis, having a " vast
superiority in strength." The tale of this combat is well told by Ban-
croft in the tenth volume of his history. The Serapis, having been taken
into the Texel, the British ambassador reclaimed it as having been taken
by "the pirate Paul Jones of Scotland," and she was only saved by the
protection of the flag of France.

The flag of the " new constellation " made its way but slowly. Thanks
to Paul Jones, and others inspired by his heroic and adventurous deeds, at
last it conquered recognition. Indirectly it owed much to the alleged
vile and despicable acts of that unnatural parent, Craig of Arbigland, who
in disowning an innocent son made a gift of him to mankind. It is but a
signal instance of the truth of the ancient proverb, that " Out of the eater
has come forth meat, and out of the strong one has come forth sweetness."

Columbia College Law School, New York, September 9, 1890.

SOUTHOLD AND HER HISTORIC HOMES AND MEMORIES

i 640- i 890

" You Americans have no history, you build up your towns and cities
and commonwealths in a night," said a distinguished foreign diplomat on
one occasion. " We Europeans never think of assuming the dignity and

THE OLD MOORE HOUSE.

[From a photograph, by Henry B. Ingram.]

respectability of mature age until we can count backward at least two hun-
dred years."

Hereafter we may be able to hold our American head erect in the pres-
ence of foreign antiquity, for some of us the present season have not only
counted backward two full centuries, but have arisen in all the majesty of
a higher count and actually celebrated two-hundred-and-fiftieth birthdays.
If great age is honorable, as we are taught both by precept and example

Vol. XXIV.-No. 4.-18

274 SOUTHOLD AND HER HISTORIC HOMES AND MEMORIES

to believe, our country is on the rising tide. We have accumulated vast
wealth of record and story touching the successive actions and fortunes
and experiences of numerous generations of men, and can trace the con-
nection of events — which never spring into being disjoined from antece-
dents leading to them — far into the past. If this is not history, we trust
our old world friend will give us the true name by which it should be
known. We fear that if he has the temerity to again assert that America
has no history, or that its people are not making history more rapidly than
any other nation on the globe, he will be relegated to a back seat in worldly
wisdom.

Celebrations, with a long reach of worthy deeds and important events
and consequences to bring into the forefront, are healthful and exert an
educational influence not easily measured. Take two such towns as South-
ampton and Southold, at the eastern end of Long Island, the one on the
southern, the other on the northern shore, and observe their proceed-
ings and the wide interest awakened as they proudly note the peril and
impecuniosity of their beginnings two-hundred-and-fifty years ago. The
literature produced through the researches and genius of their scholars and
citizens not only arouses and enlightens the present generation, but is
destined to live, and prove more and more fruitful as the years roll on.
The young will go to it for instruction and the aged for reference. It will
creep into families and schools all over the land ; for the pioneers of these
towns were doing much more than plant their own individual homes, they
were unconsciously projecting the prosperity of a continent. It is impos-
sible to over-estimate the effects of each original settlement upon the pres-
ent character and condition of our country.

Ancient Southampton took the le*ad in fitting birthday festivities, as
was duly chronicled in the July issue of this periodical. Southold selected
the month of August simply for convenience and not for any historical
reason. Distinguished sons and daughters of the town, from many parts
of the Union, graced the occasion with their presence; the most eloquent
orators of the age participated in the exercises ; and thousands of visitors
from Long Island, Connecticut, and other places, united in making the
occasion memorable. The doors of the Old First Church, which was gayly
festooned with flags and bright with flowers, were thrown open, and Rev.
Dr. Whitaker, its pastor for more than forty years, greeted the assembled
multitude with words of cordial welcome. The singing of a hymn written
for the occasion, by the united choirs of the four churches of the town, a
touching prayer by Rev. Bennett T. Abbott, and the reading of an appro-
priate scripture lesson by Rev. J. H. Ballou, from the veritable Bible

SOUTHOLD AND HER HISTORIC HOMES AND MEMORIES

275

brought by Barnabas Hor-
ton into Southold in 1640,
were the preliminary exer-
cises ; after which was in-
troduced the celebrated
speaker of the morning,
Rev. Dr. R. S. Storrs, of
whom it is said no man
living can better interpret
the faith, the heroism, the
sublime devotion of the
Puritan pioneers. For an
hour and a half he held the
immense assemblage de-
lighted with his charm of
word and thought, and
grace and power of utter-
ance, as he touched upon
the procession of the years
and clearly unfolded the
sources and guarantees of
national progress — an elo-
quent and masterly dis-
course, which forms the
leading paper in the cur-
rent number of this Maga-
zine.

The afternoon enter-
tainment was in a beauti-
ful grove some half a mile
from the church, to which

the invited guests were conducted by one of the most unique and inge-
niously contrived processions ever witnessed on Long Island. It was
headed by a veteran drum-corps, followed by an Indian canoe on wheels,
said to be as old as the town, manned by two red men in full war costume,
paddling ; then came the fac-simile of a pioneer moving wagon laden with
old-fashioned furniture and antique domestic implements, drawn by four
yoke of oxen, the numerous family of the mover costumed in the style of
1640 being seated on the top. The invited guests and officers of the cele-
bration in carnages followed closely; then a cabriolet of ancient date,

THE OLD FIRST CHURCH, SOUTHOLD.

SCENE OF THE CELEBRATION EXERCISES, AUGUST 27, 1890.

2/6

SOUTHOLD AND HER HISTORIC HOMES AND MEMORIES

driven by a prim negro in livery, and containing a gentleman and lady
dressed in continental fashion; all manner of ancient vehicles; a dozen or
more wagon-loads of pretty girls dressed in white, carrying flags and flow-
ers; the officials of Southold, the military and fire companies of this and
neighboring towns, brass bands, the police force, a company of horsemen
and another of bicyclists, hundreds of children on foot, and citizens and
visitors driving in not less than six hundred carriages. Circling about the
platform in the grove ten thousand or more people formed a compact
mass of varying color on every side, while just beyond this crowded amphi-
theatre was an outer circle of double and triple rows of equipages. The

;

OLD BARNABAS HORTON HOUSE, BUILT IN 164O.
IN CONTRAST WITH THE STREET SCENE IN 1890.

sun looked blandly through the leafy trees upon the pretty scene, and the
breezes were deliriously soft and balmy. Hon. James H. Tuthill, a de-
scendant of Henry Tuthill of 1640, presided felicitously. The speakers
were numerous and interesting, including Hon. Henry P. Hedges of
Southampton, District-Attorney Smith, and the Rev. William Whitaker,
son of the pastor. Music and singing were conspicuous features of the
occasion, the greatest applause attending the appearance of four genera-
tions of the descendants of Barnabas Horton, who sang an original
hymn, standing, in the old-time way. The acres of people returned to the
village in time for tea, and crowded the church again in the evening.
Hon. Henry A. Reeves presided, and the history of the town by Charles
B. Moore, and the reading of letters from President Harrison, and others,
closed a great, well-ordered, and worthy celebration.

SOUTHOLD AND HER HISTORIC HOMES AND MEMORIES

277

STREET SCENE IN SOUTHOLD. PRESENT SITE OF THE OLD BARNABAS HORTON HOUSE.

\From a photograph by Henry B. Ingram.]

If the little group of men who occupied the place five semi-centuries
ago could have spent the 27th of August, 1 890, on the same soil, and seen
their names painted on boards in front of their original lots, and heard their
praises sounded by every voice, from one end of the town to the other, we
think they would have felt amply repaid for all their privations and
hardships. It was truly their day. Everything old was glorified. Every
man who had an old coat wore it. The aged men and women were the

278 SOUTHOLD AND HER HISTORIC HOMES AND MEMORIES

beaux and belles of the occasion. Modern
houses attracted no attention whatever;
but those built in former centuries were
sought, visited, and studied with the great-
est curiosity. The old home of Barnabas
Horton, the wealthiest man among the
first settlers, has disappeared, but its suc-
cessor on the same site was scrutinized as
if surreptitiously secreting some precious
treasure. The old Moore house, which
bears the date "1647" in great figures
upon its facade, was surrounded by polite-
ly inquisitive sight-seers from dawn until
sunset. It was the home of Benjamin,
son of Thomas Moore, of the early settle-
ment. Rev. Dr. Whi taker, the accom-
plished historian of Southold, tells us that
this house was kept as a tavern in the
Revolution by the widow of Dr. Micah
Moore, who was Lawyer Robert Hem-
stead's daughter, then became Mrs. Led-
yard and was the mother of John Led-
yard the traveler — before she married Dr.
Moore.

The first settler of Southold was Rev.
John Youngs, an educated clergyman
from Southwold, England, a friend of
Rev. John Davenport who arrived at
Boston in 1637, and sailed the next spring
with a party to found New Haven. Par-
son Youngs landed in Salem about the
same time, and is believed to have gone to New Haven in 1638, thence to
Southold. It is well known that Davenport was concerned in the famous
project of exodus from England to the Saybrook settlement, which for
some years occupied the attention of Cromwell, John Hampden, Sir
Matthew Boynton, and other English noblemen, who were dissatisfied with
the management of civil and religious affairs under Charles I. and wished
to remove to America. Lion Gardiner was employed by them in 1635 as
a competent engineer to prepare the ground at Saybrook Point for the
building of a city. The traces of two great handsome squares may yet be

SOUTHOLD S SOLDIERS MONUMENT.

[From a photograph by Henry B. Ingram.]

SOUTHOLD AND HER HISTORIC HOMES AND MEMORIES

279

seen on the rolling land near where the old Saybrook fort stood, which
were laid out as sites for palatial mansions. Colonel George Fenwick was
the only one of the original patentees who came to live in Saybrook,
succeeding Lion Gardiner in command of the fort in 1639. It is not
probable that Gardiner dwelt four years opposite the beautiful locality of
Southold, Long Island, without becoming familiar with its peculiarities
and its material advantages, particularly as he was prospecting on his own

THE HOUSE BENJAMIN i/HOMMEDIEU BUILT FOR HIS BRIDE.

\_From a photograph by Henry B. Ingram.}

account, and in 1639 purchased the whole of Gardiner's island from
the Indians. He is known to have been in constant communication
with the restless Englishmen who were drifting westward across the
Atlantic, and was ever ready to impart to them such information as he
had. His advice in the matter of treating with the Indians was esteemed
of the utmost importance. It was a remarkable age. The conflict of
religious and political parties was not the only cause of the westward
drift ; there was the ambition for wealth, the fascination of adventure,
and the social freedom of a new country.

28o SOUTHOLD AND HER HISTORIC HOMES AND MEMORIES

Energetic men of more than ordinary intelligence and force of character,
from the same part of England as Rev. John Youngs, were eager to join
him, and the testimony shows that some of them were in Southold as early
as the summer of 1638, if not before, although the exact date when the
ground was first broken is not known. There seems to be no lack of evi-
dence as to its priority of settlement over Southampton. The church was
regularly organized on the 2ist of October, 1640, about two months after the
title had been obtained from the Indians, which, according to the records,
was just a little ahead of its excellent neighbor. Four days later it is recorded
that one of the settlers sold his land, with the house upon it and other im-
provements, for ^15, which points to the probability of his having been an
inhabitant of the place since 1639, if not longer. The early Southolders
were apparently alive to the charms of secular enterprise. They chose a
sheltered nook for the centre of their village, protected from winter winds
by a high bluff to the north, and open to the soft southern breezes in sum-
mer, tempered by a succession of salt water bays and streams. The first
lot on the south side of the street became the minister's, and the one oppo-
site was secured by the first lawyer, William Wells, son of Rev. William
Wells, rector of the splendid Church of St. Peter Mancroft, in the city of
Norwich, England. Familiar names are handed down to us among these
pioneers, such as Thomas Benedict, John Sweezy, William Hallock, Thomas
Reeve, Henry Whitney, John Conklin, Robert Ackerly, Richard Benjamin,
John Booth, Richard Brown, Lieutenant John Budd, Henry Case, John
Corey, Matthias Corwin, Philemon Dickerson, Charles Glover, Ralph Gold-
smith, John Herbert, Samuel King, Thomas Mapes, George Miller, Peter
Payne, William Purrier, William Salmon, Richard and Thomas Terry, John
Tucker, Henry Tuthill, Captain John Underhill, Jeremiah Vail, Barnabas
Wines, and many others. Their descendants have always been among the
intellectual and eminent men of America. The present President of the
United States descended from Henry Tuthill; Hon. William H. Seward
from John Sweezy ; Thomas Corwin, secretary of the treasury, from
Matthias Corwin ; Mahlon Dickerson, secretary of the navy, from Phile-
mon Dickerson, also Governor Philemon Dickerson of New Jersey; Rev.
Dr. Abijah Wines, founder of the Bangor theological seminary, and the
Rev. Dr. Enoch C. Wines, distinguished in the matter of prison reforma-
tion, from Barnabas Wines ; and an army of clergymen, poets, and educators,
— several generations of them — including Rev. Moses Hallock of Plainfield,
Massachusetts, Gerard Hallock, founder of the Journal of Commerce, and
Rev. Dr. William A. Hallock, founder of the American Tract Society, from
William Hallock of early Southold.

SOUTHOLD AND HER HISTORIC HOMES AND MEMORIES 28l

The eldest son of the first pastor, John Youngs, became one of the
ablest and most important men on Long Island, a public character for full
half a century. He was a sea-captain, a military colonel, the sheriff of
Yorkshire, the head of the commission to adjust and determine the bound-
ary between New York and Connecticut, an honorable counselor ap-
pointed by the king of England (from being well and favorably known at
the English court) to a succession of the governors of New York, including
Dongan, Andros, Sloughter, Fletcher, and Bellomont — and he was one of
the judges who tried and condemned Jacob Leisler. It is said that he
had more to do than any other citizen of the province in obtaining from
the Duke of York the power conferred on Governor Dongan to convene,
in 1683, the first colonial assembly, by which the people of New York were
allowed to participate in legislation.

His old house is still standing in Southold. Governor John Youngs of
New York, elected in 1846, and subsequently assistant treasurer of the
United States at New York, together with Rev. Dr. S. Irenaeus Prime,
Rev. Dr. Edward D. Prime of the New York Observer, and William C.
Prime, LL.D., and John Ledyard the traveler, descended from Southold's
first pastor, Rev. John Youngs. Thomas Benedict was the ancestor of
a long line of scholars, jurists, and clergymen, not least among whom
was Hon. Erastus C. Benedict, chancellor of the university of the state of
New York. Barnabas Horton's descendants include such notables as
Rev. Simon Horton, Rev. Azariah Horton, and Rev. Theodore L. Cuyler,
D.D. And the late Stephen Whitney, one of New York's millionaires,
descended from Henry Whitney of Southold's founders. We might pro-
long the list of Southold's notable children and children's children indefi-
nitely, but space forbids.

As the years rolled on, young Southold increased in population, but its
authorities were extremely particular as to whom they allowed to come
into and dwell in the little town. Thus the moral, intellectual, and
religious character of its people was preserved from generation to gen-
eration. The third pastor was Rev. Benjamin Woolsey, whose eminent
and scholarly descendants constitute a noble army, too numerous to be
mentioned here, including President Woolsey of Yale, President Timo-
thy Dwight, D.D., President Sereno Edwards Dwight, D.D., Professors
Theodore W. Dwight, LL.D., and Benjamin W. Dwight, Ph.D., D.D.,
LL.D., Governor George Hoadley of Ohio, and Rear-Admiral Samuel L.
Breese. The revocation of the Edict of Nantes gave to Southold the
L'Hommedieu and the Bosseau families. The house is still standing that
Benjamin L'Hommedieu provided for his bride, the pretty daughter of

282 SOUTHOLD AND HER HISTORIC HOMES AND MEMORIES

Nathaniel Sylvester, proprietor of the manor of Shelter island, with whom
he fell in love in the most romantic fashion one Sunday morning soon
after his arrival.* Their grandson, Ezra L'Hommedieu, became a man
of national renown, one of the great and useful characters of his generation.
Dr. Whitaker refers to him in the History of Southold as the chief citizen
of the town when the contest of the Revolution drew near. " Under his
leadership most of the Southold men very early pledged themselves to
support congress. Mr. L'Hommedieu represented the town, and far more,
in the provincial congress at New York from 1775 to 1777, and then in the
state assembly from 1777 to 1782 ; in the continental congress from 1779
to 1782, and again in 1788. He was the clerk of Suffolk county from 1784
until his death in 181 2, except one year. He was a member of the state
senate from 1784 to 1792, and as chairman of the judiciary committee
many of the early laws of the state of New York were written by his pen.
He was repeatedly a member of the council of appointment, and a regent
of the university of the state from the time of the organization of the
board, in 1788, until his death." Thus we can see, without further details,
that, from the very first, Southold possessed elements of national interest,
and that from her historic homes influences emanated affecting the desti-
nies of millions of the great human family. Her people have been pros-
perous at home; their accumulations have required the establishment of a
bank, which some one says represents several millions ; and her annals,
through the pens of her able writers, present to the world a history that is
not only picturesque and fascinating, but so extended in its touch that
throughout the length and breadth of the continent it will attract scions
of the old ancestral stock, who cannot fail to revel in its- memories with
interest, and study its fresh lessons with profit and pleasure.

Magazine of American History for November, 1887, vol. xviii., page 361.

THE HISTORIC TEMPLE AT NEW WINDSOR, 1783

A PICTURE MADE AT THAT TIME AND NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED

The picture below of " The Temple of Virtue " represents the struc-
ture called alternately " The Temple," " The New Building," and " The
Public Building," erected in the fore part of the year 1783, at the winter
cantonment of the American army, near New Windsor, New York.

It was a frame edifice built upon land of Jabez Atwood, now owned

by William L. Mclsill, and stood
his residence, and about thirty rods
struction was suggested by the Rev-
in the army, and approved by Gen-
It was recently ascertained by

about twenty rods south of
east of the highway. Its con-
erend Israel Evans, a chaplain
eral George Washington,
the trustees of the headquar-

THE TEMPLE OF VIRTUE.

ters at Newburgh that a drawing was in existence in Boston representing the
Temple, together with the buildings occupied by the officers and soldiers
of the Massachusetts line, and other things of great interest. Major E. C.
Boynton, the celebrated author of the accurate and delightful history of
West Point, visited Boston; and succeeded in procuring the drawing, with
permission to make a copy therefrom. The original is about seven feet long
and eighteen inches wide, and was executed by William Tarbell, a soldier
in the Seventh Massachusetts Regiment, and is now owned by his grand-
son, Luther A. Tarbell of Boston. The drawing is as common as it is

284 THE HISTORIC TEMPLE AT NEW WINDSOR, 1 783

interesting. It is made on sheets of foolscap paper pasted together on a
piece of canvas, and the coloring used was the juice of grass, butternut,
and berries.

Until this time no picture of the Temple has been known to exist.
Mr. Lossing inserted in his Field Book of the Revolution, a drawing made
from representations received from Robert Burnett, a revolutionary officer ;
but it now turns out that Burnett, who was a very old man, had in his
mind and described a building at West Point known as " Starkeans Hall,'*
and used for masonic purposes.*

The size of the Temple is not defined, but it was about eighty feet long,
by forty feet wide. It was a frame building resting upon a stone founda
tion, rising above the grade of the ground about four feet to the window
sills. The windows were large and about eight feet high, and the build-
ing was about fifteen feet high to the eaves, with a steep roof of shingles.
The curious part of the Temple was the doorway with a cupola and flag-
staff over it and two columns on the sides, as there were two columns at
the entrance of the Temple of King Solomon.

General Heath in his Memoirs said it was handsomely finished with a
spacious hall sufficient to contain a brigade of troops, that the vault of
the ceiling was arched, and there were two rooms at each end of the hall.
The materials for the building were prepared by the different regiments in
obedience to orders which prescribed the quota and kinds to be furnished
by each. General Gates had the general charge and issued the orders. A
large force of men was employed upon the work from the first of January
to the fore part of March, 1783. The building was designed for a place for
divine worship, and a soldier from Wyoming named Bidlafck, who assisted
in the erection of the Temple and the construction of the causeway across
the marsh which lay between the two lines of the cantonment, says there
was religious worship in the edifice, and the splendid singing in which he
took part lingered long in his memory. " I never," he said, " heard such
singing in my life. Some of the officers from New England were trained
singers and many of the men could sing well, and they made the Temple
ring with sweet and powerful melody."

The building was also used for meetings of various kinds. It was there
that General Washington called the important assemblage to consider the
famous Newburgh address to the army, and there read his celebrated
paper which allayed the discontent and raised the fame of Washington.
A few extracts from the orders will furnish a good idea of the extent of

* The picture of this old building appeared in the Magazine of American History for Novem-
ber, 1883, page 370.

THE HISTORIC TEMPLE AT NEW WINDSOR, 1 783 285

the labor and materials employed in constructing the Temple. The situa-
tion and plan of this building was agreed upon at a meeting of officers at
the headquarters of General Gates, December 26, 1782, and on the fifth
day of January following an order was issued from which the following:
" As it is expected that all the materials for the public building requested
in the estimate sent to each regiment will be collected on the spot by
Wednesday next, Colonel Tupper, of the Massachusetts line, will attend
on Thursday morning to superintend the work. The quartermaster-gen-
eral will, upon demands made and receipts given by Colonel Tupper,
issue boards, nails or nail rods, irons and such other articles as he can con-
veniently supply for finishing the building. The shingles provided by
the different regiments agreeable to their particular estimate, are not to
be brought to the building until the time they are wanted, which will be
signified in public orders." From orders of January 9 : " The following
non-commissioned officers and privates are to parade at Colonel Tupper's
quarters in the Massachusetts line at ten o'clock to-morrow morning:
One sergeant from each brigade to superintend the carpenters, two pri-
vates from each regiment who are carpenters, one private from each regi-
ment who is a mason, three privates from each regiment to attend the
masons, and one sergeant and one corporal from each wing to superintend
the carpenters. The following tools are likewise to be furnished by each
regiment and sent by their men to-morrow to Colonel Tupper's quarters:

From each brigade one cross-cut saw, one adze, and as many inch and
inch-and-a-half augers as can conveniently be spared ; the masons are also
to bring their tools with them. From each regiment four spades to be
brought by the masons' attendants ; at 9 o'clock to-morrow morning each
regiment will furnish Colonel Tupper with one non-commissioned officer
and twelve privates, with two hand-sleds from each regiment to collect
stones for chimneys and underpinning for the public building. They will
be furnished with a gill of rum and a half ration on the spot."

From orders of January 14: " Colonel Tupper, superintendent of the
public building, has this morning acquainted the General that the under-
pinning thereof, and a great part of the timber is on the spot framed."
January 17. " At the same time and place each regiment will deliver
eighty ribs of round, straight, split cut poles, eight feet and a half long,
and two and a half inches wide at the upper end."

January 21. " On Friday morning each regiment is to deliver at the
frame of the public building 270 laths, split out of shingle timber. They
are to be exactly four feet long, one inch thick upon one edge, and not
less than one-third of an inch on the other edge, and two inches wide.

286

THE HISTORIC TEMPLE AT NEW WINDSOR, 1 783

One active sergeant and two men from each regiment to parade to-morrow
morning at 9 o'clock at the public building to complete the filling in the
frames." By an order of February 4, each regiment was required to make
four benches for the building eight feet four inches long, eleven inches
wide, eighteen inches high, with two legs one foot from each end and a
supporter in the middle.

February 15. General Washington issued an order stating that the
new building was so far finished as to admit the troops for public worship,
and directing that divine services should be performed there every Sun-
day by the several chaplains of the cantonment. March 6. " Two lime-
burners from each brigade to be sent to the public building to-morrow
morning at ten o'clock. They are to be employed in erecting a kiln and
burning lime for finishing the building."

The Temple was sold at auction on the second day of September,
1783, or at least it was advertised for sale on that day.*

It is said that the Temple was riven by lightning previous to its sale.

White Plains, N. Y.

* Magazine of American History for January, 1884, page 77.

ABOUT SOME PUBLIC CHARACTERS IN 1786

EXTRACTS FROM THE PRIVATE DIARY OF GENERAL HALDIMAND*

February 9,1786. Thursday. Was at Court, where I was very late.
It is said that when their Majesties arrived scarcely any one was in the
room. The queen asked me at what time I arrived. I answered that I
had been more than an hour and a half on the road and that at last I had
been obliged to leave my carriage in the middle of St. James' Street and
take a sedan chair. That in spite of this, it was with great difficulty I
had reached St. James* at three o'clock. The Court was crowded, and it
seemed to me that I had never seen so many beautiful women there.

Dined at Lord Amherst's, where there was a large company. Sir
George Yonge, to whom I sat next, spoke to me a good deal, as did Gen-
eral Fosset [Fawcett], who told me he had written a long letter in answer
to one which Brigadier Hope had written him respecting the manoeuvres
of the troops, as it appeared that all those who had served in America
were for rapid movements, without thinking it necessary to have a solid
body behind which the light infantry might rally. I approved of his ad-
vice. He told me that he had dissuaded the king from taking the advice
of some of the old generals, and I believe that he is engaged in drawing
up a kind of regulation on the subject. Went home at nine o'clock.

Saturday, nth. Took a long ride. My nephew sent me my madeira,
eleven cases of twelve large bottles each, and a pipe well filled. I put the
whole (except one case) in my cellar under the church. Colonel Small
has arrived still full of compliments. Took a long ride. Dined at home.
Passed the evening at General Robertson's.

Sunday, 12th. Paid a visit with General Robertson to General Prevost,
who is no better. His wife showed me a letter from her father, inviting
them to come to France next Spring, to go together to the Bourbon
waters. Dined with General Robertson, and went home early ; we had a
good deal of conversation on the affairs of America. He is very well in-
formed for what took place in the south. He should make up an account

*Sir Frederick Haldimand succeeded Sir Guy Carleton as governor of Canada in 1778, and ad-
ministered that office until November, 1784, and was then recalled to England. He is best known
to the world as General Haldimand. His papers were presented to the British Museum in 1857
by his grand-nephew, William Haldimand, copies of which are now in the Canadian Archives at
Ottawa. These Extracts are from the printed report of Douglas Brymner, Archivist.

288 ABOUT SOME PUBLIC CHARACTERS IN 1786

of the rations and wood which the other commanders-in-chief had received
in the south during the war, and show it to the commissioners of accounts.
Howe and Clinton have always drawn upwards of one hundred rations a
day and as much wood as they could burn.

Monday, 13th. Rode in the park. Messrs. Watts, Sir James Napier,
Dr. Baker, and Dr. Brown, dined with me. Spent the evening at Colonel

Leland's with General Paterson, Rainsforth, Captain , of the Royal

Navy, his wife and daughter, Tryon, his wife and daughter, and Mrs.
Arnold. The company believed that the Prince of Wales is married to
Mrs. Fitzherbert, and anticipated from it the most fatal consequences.

Wednesday, 15th. I met Lord Amherst in the park and handed him
Captain Hanzard's letter. I then met General Carleton, who told me that
not having gone to Windsor, he had not seen the king for some time, but
that he could assure me that Sir Henry Clinton was not one of his, favor-
ites, that the king was not satisfied with his enormous pretensions, that
he believed him to be a man of probity, but could not conceive how he
could have such ideas. The general told me that Sir Henry was at vari-
ance with his brother, as the latter had flattered himself with being gov-
ernor of Quebec. He asked if my own business was settled. I said no ;
on which he said I was to have the allowance of a lieutenant-general. He
imagined that I had saved money, because Clinton had brought back a
large amount from America. I made him understand that our pay had
been very different ; besides, Clinton had drawn all his provisions from the
king's magazines, and all his supplies from the barrack-master general's
stores, and perhaps from the quarter-master general. He appeared to un-
derstand the difference of our positions. He made me acquainted with
Clinton's odd character, his conduct towards the Duke of Newcastle and
himself. Spent the evening at Mrs. Robertson's, where there was a large
number of people. Played three rubbers, and won three guineas.

Thursday, 16th. Was at Court, which was very brilliant. I found Sir
Guy Carleton there, and told him that when we should go to Canada, he
would find there my carriages, post-chaise, and twelve horses, which would
be much at his service. He said he had orders to send to the amount of
£8,000 sterling in presents for the Indians (which is absolutely useless), and
also that he had obtained the contract to supply provisions for Nova Scotia,
and that he is to give an order to send two hundred pipes of madeira.

Saturday, 18th. Took Lieutenant Wolfe to Lord Amherst's, who prom-
ised to recommend him to Carleton, and to Colonel Davis, who will com-
mand in Canada. Called on my nephew, who said that he had written to
his father and brother respecting young Devos and the family.

ABOUT SOME PUBLIC CHARACTERS IN 1 786 289

Friday, February 24. Called on Bud£ and Lord Amherst, neither of
whom was at home. Captain Kennedy, Colonel Marsh and Captain Watts
dined with me.

Tuesday, February 28. I presided at the American Club, where there
were nineteen members. All passed well, and I named Captain Kennedy
as my successor.

Friday, March 3. Was at the lev£e, where I had reason to notice that
the Duke of Richmond had not many friends. It seems that he is not
liked, although it is believed he has some knowledge of engineering.
People flatter themselves that he will resign his office, but he will do noth-
ing of the kind. I was told that some of the officers were only waiting
that moment to call him to account for his conduct on several occasions,
and it is believed that to avoid annoyance he will keep his post as long as
he can. Was at the Court, where the king did me the honor of speaking
to me for a long time in presence of Lord Sydney. The Duke of Hamil-
ton was to be created knight of the thistle. I remained to see the cere-
mony and was extremely surprised at the little order observed on an
occasion which should be solemn ! No ribbon was prepared, and the king
was obliged to enter his cabinet to find it himself. Negligence of this
kind is unpardonable, and although every one seemed surprised at it, I
believe I may fairly doubt if there will be any future improvement. When
I had the honor of receiving the order of the Bath, everything passed with
much more decorum, and I have reasons to believe that orders had been
given that the ceremony might be conducted in such a manner as to
flatter me. The king in handing me the ribbon, told me that he could not
give it to any one with more pleasure, and when I kissed the king's hand
he held it to me with affection. All the knights who were at my reception
appeared in the robe of the order, and all the ceremony in general passed
with much propriety.

Sunday, March 5. Was at the Court with Major Matthews. There
were very few present and the king retired at three o'clock. Neither the
king nor the queen spoke to Matthews. I was told that according to
etiquette they did not speak to majors. I met Sir Charles Douglas, whom
I did not recognize. He told me that he had driven all the Americans
from our ports, that is, that he had prevented them from cutting wood to
melt the blubber of the whales they took in the gulf; that having received
no instructions on the subject, he believed that the only means of pro-
ceeding was to be extremely exact in observing the Treaty of Peace; that
his conduct had obtained him a compliment from the king and that if his
successors would follow the example, American fisheries would be consider-

Vol. XXlV.-No. 4.-19

29O ABOUT SOME PUBLIC CHARACTERS IN 1 786

ably embarrassed. Major Potts and Scott dined with me ; passed the
evening at home. Lord Amherst told me that the chancellor had refused
to affix the seal to Carleton's commission.

Tuesday, March 21. Took a long walk. Visited Lady Holderness,
who seemed deeply grieved at the death of Mr. Dayrolles ; she gave me
some account of his family and extraction. The Prince of Wales is to dine
with her on Friday. He paid much attention to the Princess Amelia
because she had always something to criticise on the king's conduct, and
likes the politeness of the Prince of Wales. The king does not correct
his children and when the queen leaves the room they behave most im-
properly. Mrs. Fitzherbert has fine eyes, but a very common air. Dined
at Lord Amherst's with Bude, Robertson and Judge Smith. Lady
Amherst was polite enough. Smith told us that the Americans were trying
to sell the lands beyond the Alleghany Mountains to the English and
Dutch ; that they had agents here who had already received large sums
and that they were finding dupes every day. Bude seemed to be taken
with Smith and found something attractive about him. I think I should
tell him the part that Smith played at the beginning of the rebellion.

Friday, April 28. I went to Lord Amherst's, to whom I gave an ac-
count of the conversation I had had the evening before with Sir George
Yonge. He had the politeness to send to the War Office to see if there
was no letter for me, and was told " No." I went from there to the Court,
and by his advice asked Lord Danby if I were to kiss hands. He con-
sulted Lord Lothian, who said no. Lord Sydney, who entered shortly
after, said it was not necessary I should kiss hands ; that he was surprised
I had not yet received the letter from Sir George Yonge ; that he had
communicated it to him, who had considered it very proper. The levee
was well attended, and began late. When the king approached me I
thanked him for the favor he had granted me. He answered he had only
done it to render me justice, and repeated it two or three times, telling
me he had only one manner of thinking with respect to me. He repeated
it, raising his voice in adding that he would never change his manner of
thinking of me. I assured him that I would neglect no opportunity of
rendering myself worthy of his goodness (" I know it well, I know it
well," he said) and he passed to another person who was beside Sir Joseph
Yorke and me. When that person left, I said that the king had been
very gracious. He told me that he had heard everything; that the king
was just and good and that if he would only act by himself everything
would go better.

THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
II

There are few regions affording more impressive examples of the
power of certain old-time conservative influences than the rural districts of
the ancient province of the St. Lawrence. Other races feel proud of their
past, cheerfully accept its lessons while honoring its heroes, but they give
heed to the teachings of the present in order to make the more of its
opportunities. Old and new, matters important and unimportant, are
thus brought into contrast, and the course of wisdom chosen ; but with
people fettered by ancient habits and customs, and proud of their fetters,
modern notions have a hard struggle. In the main the habitant of to-day
is the same as the colonist of the days of Vaudreuil. He has preserved
the language, the religion, the laws, the customs, the traditions, and even
the prejudices of his Gallic ancestors. All English attempts after 1760
to anglify the newly acquired French colonists were fruitless ; the authori-
ties at the British capital, with true and practical wisdom in this case,
early resolving to make loyal subjects of them, instead of enemies.

If the rustic has not moved forward in the march of progress in certain
directions, he has not fallen behind the European section of his race in
some respects. The quality of politeness for which his ancestors have
long been noted he has kept intact. On the highway, at public gath-
erings, even in business competition, he exhibits a smooth, agreeable
manner, a disposition to please, and a readiness to render service to all
coming in contact with him. This gift has smoothed the way to inter-
course between French and British, facilitating business and other rela-
tions. A tourist can soon tell when he is in " the French country," as
Anglo-Canadians call it. A peasant meeting a traveler, stranger, or
acquaintance greets him, lifting his cap, with a bow and the salutation :
Bonjour, monsieur! ("Good day, sir!") While addressing his superior
in class or education he will stand bareheaded, a picture of respectful
attention, no matter what the character of the weather. Nor does his
manner bear any suggestion of servility at such times — he appears
prompted simply by a desire to please. In connection with this deport-
ment toward strangers there runs a tradition that I believe is of eastern

292 THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY

origin. Every one is attended through life by two angels, a good and a
bad one, who maintain a continual conflict for the control of the soul.
Consequently the children are taught that even should the person they
greet be undeserving of respect, there is still his better, the spiritual
guardian, entitled to homage. Whether such polite customs be due to this
ancient belief, which not a few regard highly probable, the spirit thus pre-
served counts for something in the formation of character.

Among many evidences of a systematic consideration for others, these
people, or the men, will courteously offer their seats to the opposite sex,
wherever assembled, as also to their elders and invalids. They cheerfully
drop any work engaged in in order to guide a stranger, going out of their
way if necessary for the purpose. The custom of "tips " being little
observed among them, they will not expect rewards for such modest
although often useful services. A farmer driving, no matter how great
his hurry, picks up any pedestrian overtaken, whether citizen of some
capital or settler in the bush, not grudging him a drive of miles. His
manner and conversation on such occasions often linger as one of the
pleasant incidents of the trip in the traveler's memory. Politeness
toward all, with a chivalric leaning toward the poor, the weak, and the
stranger, continue governing rules with the descendants of the hardy
voyagcurs, coureurs de dots, and gallant soldiers of the days of Louis XIV.,
who still remember with pride that Mon Dien et ma dame (" My God and
my lady ") was the motto of the old cavalier, under which great sacrifices
were made and brilliant feats accomplished.

The hospitality of the farmer to the stranger is proverbial. In this
respect he is generous to a fault, often borrowing of a neighbor to re-
cruit his own supplies for the purpose of entertainment. The longer a
guest or visitor tarries at his board the better is he pleased, and to
refuse anything offered is to arouse a fear in his mind that you do not
care for him or his provisions. On one occasion in the country I found
myself belated and obliged to seek lodging at a farmer's house, there
being no inn at hand. The owner and his wife, already retired, promptly
left their bed, changed the sheets, and with gracious compulsion insisted
upon my taking possession, while they made a couch on buffalo-robes
near the stove for their own accommodation. In the morning they
refused any payment, stating my visit was a sufficient honor to stand as
full recompense; and they made me, besides, take a hearty breakfast of
ham and eggs. Many travelers relate similar experiences. A gift to the
children will afford the scrupulous visitor the only chance of marking in a
practical way his sense of the parents' hospitality. The owners will not

THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY 293

sit at the table with a guest of higher social rank ; the wife stands behind
his chair, serving him with alacrity and cheerfulness. The common
phrase or belief with many races, that " one man is as good as another,"
has not yet compelled acceptance among these people, nor is it likely to
recommend itself to the bulk of them for a considerable period at any
rate. While at table the humble host sits apart, plying the guest with
numerous questions as to the events of the cities, and especially as to
life and affairs in the United States, which he often, with a feeling of
respect mingled with awe, designates the country par en haut, a compli-
ment of the loftiest kind, too high to come within the range of ordinary
prosaic translation. He is evidently in harmony with the celebrated
and patriotic traveller who eulogized the Republic as " God's country."

But Jean Baptiste may have other associations running in his mind
when he uses the expression par en haut. To reach Upper Canada {Haut
Canada), especially before the days of railways, meant the ascent of long,
high rivers and the climbing of many difficult, lofty pieces of land. The
United States being also distant, and reached only after much trouble and
labor, may have thus also gradually suggested the use of a phrase in its
designation meaning mounting or climbing in the ordinary talk of the
people.

The good-nature of the peasant manifests itself in all the forms open
to human ingenuity. I was once crossing the St. Lawrence from the city
of Quebec to Point Levis, directly opposite, when the passengers as
usual crowded the steamer's bow as she approached the wharf. A lurch
of the steamer nearly caused me to lose my balance, and to steady myself
I stretched forth a foot to rest it on what I thought was a plank running
along the vessel's side. A while after I felt a movement underneath, and
looking down I perceived that my foot had committed trespass and
was resting on an habitant's foot beneath my own. To my prompt
apology and expression of regret I received for answer the cordial reply,
the man taking off his hat at the same time : Ce n est pas la peine, Mon-
sieur. Ne vous deranges pas, je vous en prie (" Pray, do not disturb yourself,
sir. My inconvenience is not worth mention"). Such delicacy and forget-
fulness of self on the part of the humbler classes, too, invest those virtues
with an additional charm, while arousing expectations in behalf of other
merits, promotive of free and cordial intercourse. A distinguished
English gentleman widely known in Quebec, Hon. Andrew Stuart, once
declared, and with good reason, that the French Canadians were un peuple
de gentilshommes (" a race of gentlemen ").

They are very kind to one another in the case of sickness, but their

294 THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY

feelings often carry them too far in attentions to the patient. With
mistaken kindness friends and neighbors will often crowd the sufferer's
apartment, and extend whatever comfort they may, while with lighted
pipes they extract all the enjoyment possible from each other's news and
gossip. The social smoke forms an important feature of all their gather-
ings; a lighted candle being often placed on the floor for the smokers to
light their pipes with, or a pair of tongs by the stove to take up live coals
for a similar purpose. However trying a steady volume of smoke may be
to the sick, complaints are rarely heard. The patience as well as the lungs
of the physician are not seldom sharply tested, sanitary admonitions being
too often disregarded. The air of their houses is also often heavy with
the odor of kerosene oil from badly trimmed lamps, but the theory that
anybody may find peril in such an atmosphere cannot be made to 'enter
the minds of most of them. And yet they are a healthy race.*

Traditional rights and customs continue to command unfailing respect.
A peasant in need of help at any time, passing by his first to call upon his
second and third neighbor, say, would grievously offend the first, who
would see all sorts of reasons, some of them childish or whimsical enough,
for the omission. One prerogative of a neighbor, still clung to in many
districts, is to make the coffin for any who may die in the adjoining home-
stead, free of cost. No duties are considered more binding than the
neighborly. Any farmer failing to invite a neighbor to his sociable party
would inflict a wound not easily healed. Indeed, the feud resulting would
last till the next Easter religious duties, if not longer. In such cases they
feel the affront as keenly as did the old touchy Scotchwoman, who seeing
go past a neighbor's funeral cortege to which she had not been invited,
exclaimed, while peering behind the curtain : " Weel, wait a wee : we'll have
a funeral some day, and they'll na be invited, either."

Useful results flow from the system of good-will and mutual help still
in force. In one day, by the vigorous, ingenious efforts of a combination
of neighbors, an acre or more of land may be cleared of stumps, stones, and
branches, and made fit for cultivation ; in other cases a considerable crop
may be garnered, the framework of a new house raised, or that of a barn,
with other useful work added. On pressing occasions, as after a disaster,
the priest will adopt an exceptional course and allow his flock to work on
Sunday to help to repair the damage or provide a new dwelling for the
sufferer. He usually announces at morning service, grande mcsse, that
vespers will be sung immediately afterward instead of in the afternoon,
that the charitable may give more time to the relief of their distressed
neighbor. The necessary work over, refreshments and liquors are produced,

THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY 295

sometimes by the toilers themselves, when all partake heartily, mirth and
jokes seasoning the fare. Fun and merrymaking now reign for a time, and
then dancing follows. Business and pleasure are thus combined and in a
way to make life in quiet districts less monotonous as well.

Buoyancy of spirits forms an important element of the French-Cana-
dians' character, and has helped to sustain them under the hardships of
the wilderness, as well as amid all the rigors and trials of their early history
in La nouvelle France. This happy temperament displays itself on all
occasions. Its influence in reforming and polishing their manners, as well
as in sweetening the general current of their experience, cannot be over-
estimated. They have certainly proved themselves worthy of the title of
the children of gay France, and under circumstances which would have
put the fortitude of their relatives in the mother country to the severest
strain. Whether on a toilsome march into the wilderness for the rude
objects of the chase, or engaged in more perilous enterprises of war with
the Indians and English colonists, their cheerfulness and lightheadedness
never failed. On the expeditions of the voyageurs and coureurs de bois, by
many a broad river broken with fierce rapids, on the lake beset with
storms as violent as ocean tempests, on the remote inland waters of the
continent, or tramping over the snow-clad wilderness on snow-shoes and
drawing heavily laden toboggans, the same disposition, sunny and inspirit-
ing, sustains them throughout their arduous course. At home, within the
circle of the more peaceful village life, this spirit blossoms out in social
games and story-telling which serve to vary the monotony of the long
winter nights, or give additional zest to the enjoyment of summer days.
Pleasure parties at the picturesque waterfalls, fruit gatherings in the
autumn, sugar making in the bracing spring air, with " bees " for united
labor, house-raisings, the clearing of land, flax-dressing and sheep-
shearing, all supply abundant occasion for the display of this cheerful
temperament, which gives wings to toil, and induces, through the ren-
dering of mutual assistance, a wide-reaching friendliness full of comfort
and joy.

Indeed, the habitant allows few opportunities of enjoyment to escape
him. The first preliminary observed is to lay aside care, with the view
of turning all his chances to the best account. The duties attached to the
farm and stock are left to the old people, often grandparents, as also to
servants, who usually attend to them well enough to furnish the merry-
makers with a plausible excuse for a repetition of such indulgences. The
rustic without children closes up his house, regardless of fire or tramp, and
joins in the sports of his lightheaded companions. In regions where game

296 THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY

is abundant he is rather often tempted to sacrifice precious time, which
might be more profitably employed on the farm or in the bush, to the
chances of the chase. Efforts are made afterward to catch up with the
work of wiser farmers who have lost no time with the allurements of the
game. But whatever accidents or losses may occur on such occasions, the
spirit of prudence finds little place, and the next opportunity for a day's
diversion will be eagerly seized.

They are ever kind to the poor. However humble the circumstances
of a family, a beggar is always admitted, the members sharing with him
anything they possess. The poor come and go as they please, the farm-
house door being never fastened day or night. This kindness to the needy
is looked upon not only as a natural duty, but a pious obligation enforced
by Divine command. The poor are styled " Christ's brethren," and hence
entitled to all possible sympathy and aid. Many families in fair circum-
stances maintain one or more indigent or infirm persons. Along the
Labrador coast at certain seasons the fishermen leave their homes for a
time, but before doing so place in some accessible spot provisions and
sometimes small coin for the relief of destitute persons expected to call.

Professional beggars are met with even in the poorer districts. Here
as elsewhere they are active news collectors, and, if not willing to work,
industrious enough in spreading if not also making stories. They are
known by name to most of the people. Their forte is gossip, the sins and
misfortunes of their acquaintances, high and low, receiving a large share
of their attention. Some are shrewd fellows, free and fluent, ready to make
themselves at home in any place, and prating for hours, while others are
stupid and clownish, equally ready, however, to receive gifts and equally
careful to shun all work. They know enough not to steal, or it would soon
become known and their occupation gone. Some of them, experienced
and cunning ones, take advantage of the superstition of the ignorant,
who regard them as sorcerers, dream-readers, and prophets, capable of
casting spells (Jeter un sort) upon victims or enemies. The people will
often put up with a good deal, fearing their superhuman skill and malice.
Numerous instances are told of the misfortunes incurred by households
or their members who had excited the anger of those sorcerers. Most dis-
tricts boast of one or more strollers with exclusive or extensive collections
of songs, stories, and wonderful legends, recalling the feats and adventures
of some of the troubadours of old.

Practical joking is a favorite pursuit with some of these folk, and when
the mood inclines them they will tramp to outlying districts and so be-
guile with a measure of novelty the time that goes heavily with them.

THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY 297

On their return home they have the pleasure of recounting their adven-
tures to an audience of admiring acquaintances, when they enlarge
upon the gullibility of the people of other sections of the country. A
shrewd and amusing fellow named Morin lived and made his rounds on
the south shore of the St. Lawrence. Hardly a day passed without some
humorous trick being traced to him. His knowledge of human nature
guided him well indeed in his special pleasure of fooling dull farmers
to the advantage of his pocket. One day while on one of his campaigns,
he saw a stupid-looking country storekeeper, whom, in American slang, he
promptly " sized up " for a good joke. Entering the shop with an air of
complaisance, he airily saluted the owner, and asked if he might have a
large loaf of bread, thrusting his hand into his pocket as if to find the sum
for payment. The loaf was at once handed him, when he calmly walked
to a corner of the shop as if to devour his purchase. On the point of
breaking the loaf in two, he stopped, considered a moment, and then
soliloquized loud enough for the shopman to hear : " How foolish of me
to take a large loaf, for I cannot eat it all at once, and the rest will grow
stale on my hands." Then addressing the storekeeper, he said, " Will you
kindly exchange this large loaf for two small ones?" He was politely
handed what he asked. The beggar was soon heard in another mono-
logue : " I cannot eat a whole small loaf at one meal ; I had better return
one and take crackers instead." This request was also granted. The tramp
now began to eat the crackers, but soon was heard to remark to himself:
" These are very dry. If only I had some butter, how much better I
should like them." Taking the remaining loaf he asked the dealer to
kindly give him the worth in butter, which was done at once without any
sign of impatience. The impudent vagabond, now content and happy,
soon dispatched all before him. When finished he swung his bag across
his shoulder, doffed his cap, and bowing to the grocer said, A la revue
(a corruption of Ait revoir). The latter, surprised and puzzled, seemed
uncertain what to do ; but as the beggar reached the door he called out
to him that the score had not been settled. " Why, sir, I gave you two
small loaves for your crackers and butter." — "That's true, but you have
not paid me for the large loaf." The beggar, with a pained and mor-
tified look, observed: "You must be ill, sir. You had better see a doc-
tor. Why, your loaf of bread is behind you, and still you ask me to pay
for it." The poor dull-witted storekeeper was so confused by this time
that he was totally unable to prolong the discussion. To cap the climax
of his discomfort, his wife, who had come in only during the latter part
of the conversation, sharply said : " Of course, the man is right ; he owes

298 THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY

you nothing. Don't you see the loaf on the shelf? Go mind the children,
my good man." The tramp now saucily bowed himself out with the
parting salute to his new-found ally: "Ah, madame, if your husband
were only as clever as you, you would soon own the whole village ! "

Another clever tramp well known in the Montreal district, named
Paquette, whose happy knack of repartee had made him famous, was
hailed on the road one day by a wag who wished amusement at his
expense. Assuming an air of mystery and sorrow, he told the tramp that
great distress prevailed throughout the country, for the reason that the
devil was dead. Paquette's shrewd, keen visage became at once overcast,
too, a picture of trouble, whereupon, laying his bag on the ground, in tones
sad and tremulous he thus addressed the snob : " I am really sorry for you,
my dear sir. Your relative was a scapegrace, it is true, but it is natural
indeed you should mourn over his death ! " Then, after some fumbling, he
drew from his pocket a cent, which he offered the bereaved one, saying,
" I am poor myself, but it shall never be said that I, Paquette, would not
take compassion upon an orphan. I hope it will help to console you for
your heavy loss. Please don't spend it foolishly." *

A spirit akin to the merry and jovial element of their nature, a fond-
ness for tricks and practical jokes, is almost general among the rustics.
Many a care, many a trial, and many a hardship are banished by a good
joke, and its relation subsequently will afford much amusement to eager
and appreciative groups of listeners at home. I shall only mention a few.
A well-known practical joker called at a country inn while traveling to ask
for dinner. He ordered a dish of pork and eggs, but was informed that only
eggs could be supplied, as the host was short of meat. Seeing several
persons in the dining-room somewhat intoxicated, and growling over the
poverty of the landlady's larder, it occurred to him to have a laugh at their
expense. He quietly remarked to the manager: " If you have no pork, I
know what will make a capital substitute. It is frequently used for such
a purpose by the sailors at sea when they run short of provisions, and in
a pinch I would not object to trying it myself. Take an old pair of rub-
bers, cut them in pieces, and cook them with the eggs. Good? Just you
try them." When dinner was served, our joker, surrounded by the other
easy-going guests, helped himself liberally to the eggs, adroitly removing
the chunks of India rubber and casting them under the table, while pre-
tending to eat them with a forcible exertion of the lower jaw. The efforts
of the company to masticate their share of rubber furnished him with

* This story was related to the author by Hon. F. G. Marchand, speaker of the local house,
Quebec.

THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY 299

more amusement than the most diverting pantomime. Ever afterward,
when alluding to the unusual culinary use of India rubbers, he would
observe slyly to his friends that he had "stretched a point on that
occasion."

Their jokes may be turned to inconvenient account sometimes, even
if for the ever welcome purpose of amusement. A mischief maker
dropped into a country boarding-house {maison de pension), sat down at
table, and ordered a quart of milk. When it was brought him he care-
fully took out of his pocket a handkerchief, from which he extracted
a piece of bread, and breaking it up dropped it into the milk. When the
bread had thoroughly absorbed the milk, he appeared to reflect a moment
and then asked the price of the milk. On being told, he feigned astonish-
ment and said he would not pay such an exorbitant price. She assured
him it was the ordinary rate and she could not take less. " All right," said
our trickster, " keep your milk — I shall take back my bread." Then pick-
ing out his bread he wrapped it in his handkerchief and deliberately
walked off with an injured air, leaving the poor woman dumb with amaze-
ment.

On some occasions that serious people might condemn as unsuitable the
" funny fellows " will indulge their propensity in ways most amusing to
persons not in the net, however troublesome to the ensnared. While the
faithful are attending midnight mass Christmas eve, jokers will change the
position of their horses to " wrong end foremost," leaving them facing
the carriole or sleigh, while other horses will have the harness unloosed
from the shafts, causing them suddenly to leave the sleigh behind at the
first start for home. Another common trick that night is to paint the
window-panes of some of the farm-houses black, causing a strange delay
of the daylight, with an unwonted luxury of sleep in the morning to the
general early risers.

This race is not by any means composed entirely of shrewd, keen-
witted ones. Many are naif and unsophisticated. L'Abbe" R. H.
Casgrain in his Opuscules gives a description of the simple yet practi-
cal habitant in a terrible fright, bent upon gaining his object by the
utmost exertion of his pious emotions. Two men while on the St.
Lawrence in an open boat are overtaken by a storm. A catastrophe
seems imminent. They realize their danger and are straining every nerve
to reach a place of safety, but their strength is nearly exhausted, and yet
the shore is not within sight. One, more pious than the other, falls on
his knees and begins to pray. Suddenly a heavy squall strikes the boat
and it is all but upset. In greater alarm than ever he is heard to make

300 THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY

the following unique petition for clemency : " Now, good God, if you
mean to save us, you had better be quick about it. When we are at the
bottom of the river it will be too late. You must not allow us to perish.
What would become of my poor old mother, my wife and children?"
As if in answer to this prayer the storm began to abate, but presently it
recurred with redoubled energy. Nothing daunted, however, our devout
sailor renews his appeal : " Now, now, good God, do not abandon
us. Just one more little effort [encore un petit coup de coeur\ and all will
be well [et fallons echapper\" His faith was justified and he was saved
to his family.

City folks are sometimes tempted to impose upon their naivete, and
somewhat heartlessly too. A man suddenly appeared in the public
market-place in Quebec late one afternoon, just as the farmers were
despairing of being able to dispose of their goods that day, which would
have obliged them to defer their return home till the next. Great was
their rejoicing when he ordered every man with a load of hay to follow
him. He then led them to an empty barn in the suburbs of the city,
and told them to discharge their loads therein and come for their pay
to a house which he pointed out a little distance farther off. With light
Wagons and light hearts they hastened to the place, but only to learn that
they had been made the victims of a cruel trick. The scene later, when
each man came to seek his bundles of hay again, was amusing to the
bystander, though hard enough upon the credulous victims, for, the size
of the bundles varying, no little wrangling followed the attempts at divis-
ion and appropriation.

Though an illiterate people they are good at banter and repartee.
The humor is of the crudest sort (gros set). There is no malice in it ; cela
e'gratigne mats n ecorche pas. Every election furnishes abundant oppor-
tunity for exhibitions of this skill. Indeed, nothing is more noticeable,
nothing causes more amusement — and that sometimes to parties on the
suffering side also — than the chaff, ridicule, and jokes to which an unlucky
candidate is occasionally exposed. During the provincial elections of
last June (1890), an Opposition or conservative candidate in one of the
counties was vigorously censuring the Mercier (Liberal) cabinet and
urged the electors to defeat it, when a voice interrupted him with the
question : " If the government be so corrupt, why don't you cast it out ? "
" If I could, I would," was the reply. The peasant instantly rejoined :
" Well, if you can't, we don't want you ; we shall vote for one who can."
The laugh of the surprised and amused crowd turned against the puzzled
orator, and compelled the instant termination of his discourse.

THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY 30I

A very short, thick-set man of apoplectic habit was breathlessly
addressing the electors during a contest. He had made some telling
points against the friends of some of the audience, when one cried out:
" Go home, you skinny, long-legged fellow " (grand elingue). This sarcasm
so amused the audience and perplexed the speaker that he was silenced
on the instant. One more specimen : Some years ago the Roman Catholic
clergy Were generally opposed to the Liberals, and used all their influence
to prevent the election of Liberal candidates. A conservative politician
who was addressing the electors of a certain constituency in those days
warned the people that if they elected a Liberal member the country gen-
erally would go to the dogs, and the priests so treated that they would see
the streets inches deep in their blood. An old Liberal here cried out:
"All right ; we shall provide ourselves with long-legged boots to meet such
an emergency." Another chaffer of the same party now joined in, say-
ing : " Go to ; Morisset the shoemaker has started this cry to dispose of
his stock of long-legged boots." In this way for hours often the wits
keep bantering one another, the air alive with laughter.

It is not always so much what the peasant says as his manner of ex-
pression which tells on his hearers, although he is frequently spirituel too.
A husband quietly remarked to his wife that some one had told him the
earth was round, to which she innocently replied that this was all non-
sense. " But, I assure you, it is true," continued the husband. " Why, if
the earth were round," she insisted, " those who came near the edge would
fall over." " Precisely : it is with this as with other things — if you go too
far you may come to grief."

Occasionally the chaffer meets his match and has the laugh turned
against him, to his own confusion and the merriment of those present.
Good-nature usually prevails, however, it not being uncommon to see both
victor and vanquished enjoying the fun together. Every parish has its
wits, who pass much time at the village store, at the church door, or market-
place. They are quickly made the centre of a group of admirers or kin-
dred spirits, and all keep up for hours sometimes the liveliest badinage.
Puns, double-ententes, and jests, that would do no discredit to wits of higher
pretensions and education, may be heard, with peals of laughter evincing
effectively both their merit and the appreciation of the company. It is
not unusual for the participators therein to carry home the broad jokes
(grosses farces) and witty sayings (pons mots) of such jolly tilts, for the
amusement of parties who had not the good fortune to be present. Chaf-
fers are occasionally found among the elderly matrons also, and they
make "things," especially conversation, pretty lively in their neighborhood.

302 THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY

Men as a rule avoid conflicts of wit with them, knowing beforehand that
they are almost sure to be worsted.

I met several times a shrewd, bright fellow, the soul of many a conviv-
ial circle, who had suddenly discontinued his drinking habits. For quite
a while he kept his good resolution to the great relief and joy of his family.
One day as he passed a well-known restaurant kept by one Laforce, he
suddenly looked up and saw the name, when he stopped and remarked to
his companion : " It is no use ; as long as I was a free agent I faithfully
kept my word, but against la force [force] there is no resistance possible."

The same jolly soul one holiday, when it was his habit to specially
indulge his weakness, entered a hotel early in the morning and ordered a
drink. He held up the glass before him and said : " Well, here's to you,
you puny weakling. Your troubles are only beginning. Squeeze yourself
into some comfortable nook inside [Range toi dans la place d'armes~], for
there will be a rush before evening [car il y aura foule ce soir\" He was
so hearty and amusing in his way that one might say his outflow fully
equaled his inflow of spirits. He used to complain that Bacchus was the
meanest of all the gods : the more you worshiped him overnight, the
worse he treated you next morning.

One of the best puns I have heard in connection with my own name
was coined by a French-Canadian. Men are sure to be laughed at in this
world, for one reason or another. A peculiarity, a touch of the eccentric,
an excess of conceit, or revelation of vanity will call .forth ridicule, while
those who are saddled with a patronymic which is likely to challenge
the wit of the hearer too often have their ears assailed with puns good,
bad, and indifferent. Miserable indeed is the victim if in addition to his
ill-luck he displays the slightest sensitiveness on the subject ; for there is
with many a perverse inclination to enjoy the ridicule of one's neighbors,
and roll over, as the sweetest morsel, the gibe that cuts the deepest. I
have long since become reconciled to this species of infliction, if only there
be the slightest suspicion of humor to justify the assault upon one's dignity.
But to the pun. When about to leave his household he told me that if I
would join some friends in the next room I should see a sight that would
suggest the taking of my name in vain. Following him I found a party sit-
ting at a table, and before them uncorked bottles of liquor. My host refer-
ring to his promise said : " You see, the bottles before us are taking their
bain d air [bath of air], which is quite against the rules of the house. Join
us." Indeed, his jovial habits would not rest content so long as there was
a full bottle of spirits left in the cellar. The French pronunciation of my
name gave the full scope to his pun with its flavor of wit. In many cases

THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY 303

it is the master of the house who puts on airs ; in this case it was the
liquor. Our householder in wit and hospitality needed no reinforcement;
he was a host in himself.

The same witty French-Canadian was introduced to a Spanish consul
at Quebec, who was a conceited nobleman as well. After the ordinary
greetings he remarked : " It is gratifying indeed, count, to meet so dis-
tinguished a countryman of my own. I shall hope for the privilege and
honor of meeting you often." " Excuse me," replied the Spaniard, " did
I understand you to say you were a compatriot ? I certainly took you for a
French-Canadian." " You are right, your excellency," promptly returned
our wag, " but whatever you may think of them yourself, I certainly value
my castles in Spain as among my most treasured possessions." The
nobleman's look suggested no relish of the joke.

They have many familiar sayings (dictons) or proverbs to illustrate
peculiarities of character and incidents of daily life. After what has
been already related as to character, I need give but a few instances.
People will say to one fond of building castles in the air or trotting out
airy stock : De'barque done dcssus le poulin (" Get off the colt "), akin perhaps
to " riding a hobby " among English sayings. Its origin may prove of
interest to the curious reader. A poor country laborer was entertain-
ing a visitor one day. He told him he was saving money to buy a cow.
" A man owning a cow," he continued, " will soon get rich. He can sell
the milk to the townspeople who come to the country in summer, then
she will calve once a year, and the profits of that will soon be enough to
buy a horse." At this moment the man's little son pricked up his ears,
delighted at the prospect of a horse in the family. " And I want a fast
one, too," the speaker went on. " I should not care to see my neighbor
pass me on the road. I would choose a mare, and by and by she would
have a foal." By this time the imagination of father and son had led
them to almost call up the wished-for stock. The child jumped to his
feet, and suiting action to words he exclaimed: " And I would ride the
colt." The father, equally excited, sprang up, crying out : " Get off the
colt this instant, you young scamp ! You'll break his back ! " (" De'barque
dessus I e poulin, mon Jean Foutre. Tu vas lui casser les reins ! ")

Another instance. The expression a pique is used to express strictness
and severity, especially when the humbler are undergoing discipline at
the hands of the stronger. A young girl was tripping along the road
to dispose of a basket of eggs, when she reached a rickety bridge
which she was afraid to cross. After some hesitation she decided to run
the risk, promising that if no accident happened she would leave a

304 THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY

dozen at the presbytery, which she had to pass, to have a candle burned
in honor of Notre Dame de Bonsecours. But on arriving at the priest's
residence she decided to leave the eggs some other time. She had not
gone far, however, when she stumbled, and all the eggs were broken.
Rising, she looked heavenward, and in tones penitent and also reproach-
ful exclaimed : " Oh ! Notre Dame de Bonsecours, je ne votes croyais pas si a
pique " (" Oh ! Our Good Lady of Bonsecours, I did not think you would
be so strict "). Le cosur lui toque cotnme une pataque {pat ate) dans un
sabot (" His heart beats like a potato in a wooden shoe ") is still another
familiar saying of a proverbial nature, denoting again the natural humor
of the peasant, while at the same time exemplifying the scarcity of his
parallels or intellectual resources. It is intended to indicate a state of
nervousness, as with the youth who makes his first declaration of love or
enters the priest's confessional for the first time. They also say of one
who is sponsor at a christening for the first time: II a I ache' la queue du
chat (" He has dropped the cat's tail "). This is probably similar to the
English saying about the child who has left his mother's apron strings.
They have many odd ways of expressing themselves on exciting occasions.
When referring to a man not very attentive to his religious duties or
indifferent as to moral or religious claims, they will say, La religion ne
Vetouffe pas celui la ("Religion does not choke this fellow"). In the case
of a sharper he will occasionally be spoken of as tin fin matois.

They have numerous conundrums, which are generally of a very
primitive kind. I recall one over which I have seen groups of rustics test
their wits for hours, each in turn stumbling upon a solution which he
would declare the correct one till the mistake was exposed by a shrewder
fellow. It runs somewhat as follows : Six men call at an inn for a night's
lodging ; but the owner, while having only five rooms, manages to give
one to each. How is it done ? Very simple is the answer. The innkeeper
takes the first man and tells him to wait for him in the hall ; the second
he places in the first room ; the third in the second ; the fourth in the
third ; the fifth in the fourth ; and then returning to the hall for the sixth
man puts him in the fifth, thus assigning each of the six a separate room.
I have seen some of the guessers and puzzled ones take out chips and go
through the process, ending as mystified as ever.

fe£

^Sz^rsAtfu ^7^~z<s^i—

Boston, Massachusetts.

THE MOUNTAINS AND MOUNTAINEERS OF CRADDOCK'S

FICTION

The habitat of the Tennessee mountaineer — the mountaineer of Crad-
dock's fiction, is found in the eastern end of the state. In all that region
of highlands known by the local titles of the " Blue Ridge," " The Great
Smokies," " The Unicoi," "The Bald," " The Chilhowee," and others,
and whose highest ranges and summits form the boundary between Ten-
nessee and her parent state, he may be found in all his pristine condi-
tions. Immediately west of these ranges and their outlying foot-hills, is
the great valley of the upper Tennessee, a valley embracing many coun-
ties, and extending diagonally across the state from Bristol to Chatta-
nooga. It comprises one of the fairest and richest sections of all the fair
land of the southwest.

Immediately west of this lies the great Cumberland range, extending
across the state and running far into Alabama. This latter area com-
prises some five or six counties, aggregating about five thousand square
miles of territory. In the wilder portions of this section the character
under consideration may sometimes be found, but the great mass of the
dwellers upon the Cumberland table-land do not differ materially in man-
ners, customs, intelligence or worldly prosperity, from their brethren of the
valleys. Until quite recent years the tide of modern progress has lapped
idly at the foot of these great mountain barriers. Like the waves of a
summer sea, it has, for three-quarters of a century, ebbed and flowed in
the lowlands, but to the dwellers in the remote and craggy fastnesses, has
come only the sound of its far-off murmurings. For more than three
score years the line of demarkation between lowlander and highlander has
been as sharply drawn as it ^v^r was in the land of Scott. For three-quar-
ters of a century, the " Great Smokies " have sheltered a people sui generis.

The pilgrim in this region finds Knoxville, like a gem of the mount-
ains, sitting in the midst of the blue-girt landscape just where the mar-
shaled waters gathered from a thousand tumbling torrents take their way
to the sea. It is the seat of wealth and culture, whose growth dates
from the days when Blount and Sevier established there one of the first
capitals west of the Alleghanies. And yet a day's journey upon horseback
into the melting blue of the eastern horizon will bring him to a people and
a life that seemingly belong to the last century.

Vol. XXIV.— No. 4.-20

306 THE MOUNTAINS AND MOUNTAINEERS OF CRADDOCK'S FICTION

It was the fortune of the writer to first see the light in this land. It
was his further fortune in later years to come into close and intimate con-
tact with many of the class herein considered. And in the contemplation
of the many salient and unique points in their character — their honesty,
their hearty hospitality, their patriotism, their almost universal devotion
to politics and a somewhat Calvinistic religious creed, their respect for all
laws except perhaps the one abridging the free use of the little forty gal-
lon still — an heirloom in many families — the thought has recurred time
and again : " Is there no prophet in Israel? Must this people pass away
before the advancing tide of modern thought and modern life and leave
no trace behind save the scant mention of the historian ? "

There was, even then, dwelling in the very midst of this field one who
has since grown into the foremost rank of the fiction-writers in America,
one whose fame is not confined to the land of her adoption, but is world-
wide ; and yet in all the vast volume of her earlier and her later work there
is scarce a hint of this interesting life which lay all about her, rich with the
traditions and growth of a hundred years, and even then ripe unto the
harvest. But the Highlanders of the South were not to be without their
chronicler.

While Mrs. Burnett was winning her fame as a depicter of English life
in its various phases, from the Lancashire collieries to the palaces of the
gentry and the nobility, a native Tennesseean, a young girl dwelling upon
the blood-stained field of Murfreesborough, was beginning to formulate the
work that has secured her own fame and has rescued a people from obliv-
ion. Edward Eggleston never uttered a greater truth than when he wrote :
" We shall never have a genuine American literature so long as we shrink
from the life of our common people."

Whether consciously or not, Charles Egbert Craddock has recognized
this truth, and the place her name occupies to-day in the world of letters is
ample verification of the utterance. And what a rich field has invited her
pen ! Narrow, indeed, may seem the individual life, and scant the civiliza-
tion ; and yet when we consider the accessories of scenery and climate, of
legend and tradition, the whole blending into an atmosphere of romance
that would have delighted the soul of the " Wizard of the North " himself,
the only wonder is that the field has lain fallow so long. Scarce a stream
that has not its legend, scarce a towering rock or blue peak that has not its
chronicle in the traditions of the country-side. The writer remembers one
such, the story of a haunted cave, which the Indians believed to be the
abode of a malevolent spirit so terrible that he could draw the luckless
hunter into his lair by the mere inhalation of his breath. Tennessee's

THE MOUNTAINS AND MOUNTAINEERS OF CRADDOCK'S FICTION 307

gifted poet, Mrs. L. Virginia French, some years ago crystallized the legend
into exquisite verse, beginning :

" Hist ! softly, pale stranger,
And light be thy tread.
Thou walkest in clanger,
A region of dread."

The traveler along the banks of the French Broad will note a great
cliff that towers high above the turbulent stream, and bearing upon its
face great stains that seem at a little distance almost as if, in a past age,
some giant artist had spread his palette there. In a day's journey, he
may gather more than one version of how those brilliant colors came upon
the mighty rock. The very name of the romantic stream itself carries
him back more than a hundred years, to the time when France claimed
the great West, to the head waters of every stream tributary to the Missis-
sippi. The author's beautiful story of the Sun-Rise Rock, doubtless got
its name from this locality.

And then along the Watauga, the " Beautiful River," what stories
might be gathered of Sevier, the " Nollichucky Jack" of the pioneers,
of the deeds which linked his name with King's Mountain, and with
the story of " The Lost State of Franklin," of his rescue from the
North Carolina Court, of his battles with the Cherokees, those fiercest
warriors of all the tribes of the Southwest. Among this people and in
this atmosphere has the gifted author wrought, how faithfully and how
truly only those can fully feel who claim that magic mountain land for
their very own. In her every page you catch the slow speech of the
deliberate native, in every line you hear the whispering pine upon the
mountain's brow, in every word you feel the very presence of the solemn
everlasting walls and domes. And yet hers has been but the common fate
of the prophet of old, who gathered honors from all people save his
own. While the critics have praised her strong faithful work, though
without sparing her faults, while the great mass of readers, recognizing
the tender touch and broad human sympathy which prove all the world
akin, have read her stories with delight, a single discordant note comes
from her own state. A recent writer affects to lament the fact that she
has devoted her genius to u portraying the outlandish and grotesque in
the low life of a small section," and that she should have joined " the
vast army who seek easy fame by 'dialect' writing." Easy fame, for-
sooth ! For more than a. generation past the self-elected censors of our
common literature have, in like manner, lamented a similar fault in
Dickens, and yet the great unreasonable and unreasoning public goes

308 THE MOUNTAINS AND MOUNTAINEERS OF CRADDOCK'S FICTION

right on reading his books and crying over poor Oliver Twist, and Tiny
Tim, and Little Nell. Even so great an authority as Mr. Howells has
characterized the humor of the great English master as being mere horse-
play, and yet millions of delighted readers continue to laugh at the in-
imitable drolleries of Sam Weller. With more seeming cause, the critics
have complained of the abuse of Charles Egbert Craddock's descriptive
powers, of the large part allotted to the mountains and streams, the moon
and clouds. This may be a fault, but it is a venial one — one for which
every true son of the mountains will pardon her in advance. Who that
has ever felt the solemn uplifting presence of those mighty domes and
ranges, those cloud-capped peaks and beetling cliffs, can wonder that the
very spirit of the mountains seems to dominate her every thought?

And that she is a true daughter of the mountains herself, is amply
proven by the tender love with which she lingers over the landscape when
it puts on the golden livery of autumn. Surely the grimmest of her critics
would relax could he once see those glorious hills wrapped in the trailing
robes of October. Wordsworth himself must have seen them with poetic
vision when he wrote :

" The mountains that enfold

In their wide sweep the colored landscape round,
Seem groups of giant kings in purple and gold,

That guard the enchanted ground."

No writer ever labored more conscientiously than she has in the prep-
aration for her work. No phase of that unique life has escaped her keen
observation, whether it be the narrow daily life of the mountaineer in
his cabin and about his humble toil, or when he sallies forth as litigant,
elector, or preacher ; whether it be a log-rolling, a house-raising, or a
"gander-pulling ; " whether it be a protracted " meetin' " where the vials of
wrath are poured out, and trembling penitents crowd to the anxious seat ;
or perchance a law-suit in the distant county-seat, where some luckless
wight falls a victim to circumstantial evidence and the 'prentice hand of a
briefless lawyer assigned by the court. This is not a plea for the mount-
aineer, nor yet an apology for his place either in fact or in fiction. He
needs none. The former he is amply able to care for himself — the latter
has been fixed by abler pens than mine, and fully verified by the verdict
of an intelligent and discriminating public.

Sweet land of the Southwest ! How all the year through

My fond heart turns ever with longing supreme,
To hill-side and valley, to mountain so blue,

And the weather-worn cot that stands by the stream ;

THE MOUNTAINS AND MOUNTAINEERS OF CRADDOCK'S FICTION 309

All, all, make a picture, so tender, so dear,

So laden with joy of the days that are gone,
Oh ! what true son of thine could blush at the tear,

Tribute from the heart to the land of his own ?

Dear land of the Southwest ! All seasons are thine,

The winter, the spring, all the summer-time's glow ;
But the dearest of all, oh, homeland of mine,

Comes over thy hills when the autumn winds blow ;
When the woods are aflame with crimson and gold,

And the mist like a veil hangs over the stream,
Oh ! fairer than vision that ever was told

Art thou in thy glorious October gleam.

Bright land of the Southwest ! Oh, fain would I write,

In language befitting so grateful a theme,
Of valleys asleep in the soft mellow light,

Of hill-tops all painted by artist Supreme,
Of mountains all standing like sentinel kings,

Far distant and melting in tenderest sheen.
Oh ! home of my heart ! Of all beautiful things

Thy face is the fairest that ever was seen.

Mltfou $M/kuj.

Washington, D. C.

ANECDOTES OF GENERAL GRENVILLE M. DODGE

There was no better or braver soldier in the Union armies than General
Grenville M. Dodge, of Iowa. I remember seeing him at Des Moines in
the spring of 1861, a short, slender, very active young man, who wore a
little, soft, round-topped brown hat, which he had a curious habit of rolling
into a ball and nervously thrusting into the outside pocket of a very short
brown coat. He was educated at the famous military school of Captain
Partridge, at Norwich, Vermont, and was especially bright and competent
as an engineer.* Dodge had raised a company of men at Council Bluffs,
of which he was the captain, and had made an ineffectual effort to get
into the Second Iowa Infantry. The regiment was full before he arrived
at Des Moines, and the impetuous young captain was quite restive under
"the lock-out." But only a little later he became colonel of the Fourth
Iowa, rising through specially meritorious services in the field to the rank
of major-general.

When Grant captured Vicksburg, he left Dodge for a time in com-
mand of that famous stronghold. It was during this period that certain
camp-followers of Hebrew descent tried to buy from General Dodge per-
mission to go out and purchase cotton. They began this work by offering
him $5,000, raising their offers from time to time until they had reached
the handsome sum of $100,000! At this juncture Dodge set forth all
the facts in a private letter to General Grant, adding that this was so near
his price that he had better be sent somewhere else out of the way of
temptation ! The statement was " too good to keep," and the matter

* General Grenville Mellen Dodge, born in Danvers, Mass., was thirty years of age at the date
mentioned. He was engaged in railroad surveys in Illinois from 185 1 to 1854, after which he was
similarly employed in Iowa, and as far west as the Rocky Mountains, and made one of the earliest
surveys along the Platte for a Pacific railroad. He commanded a brigade on the extreme right in
the battle of Pea Ridge, where three horses were shot under him, and, though severely wounded
in the side, kept the field till the final rout of the enemy. For his gallantry on this occasion he
was made brigadier-general of volunteers on the 31st of March, 1862. In June of this year, he took
command of the district of the Mississippi, and superintended the construction of the Mississippi
and Ohio railroad. He distinguished himself at Sugar Valley, May .9, 1864, and at Resaca on the
14th and 15th of the same month — for his services in these two battles he was made major-general
of volunteers June 7, 1864. He led the Sixteenth corps in Sherman's Georgia campaign, and dis-
tinguished himself at Atlanta. In December, 1864, he succeeded General Rosecrans in the command
of the department of Missouri, that of Kansas and the Territories being added in February, 1865.
— Editor.

ANECDOTES OF GENERAL GRENVILLE M.DODGE 311

was freely discussed at head-quarters, coming at last to some correspondent
who gave it to the world. The anecdote had quite a run at the time, but
not long ago I saw it attributed to another general, who has only attained
a great military reputation since the war, and who is probably " dieting "
for a political nomination.

At another time some wag belonging to the staff suggested to a Jew
that he could bring General Dodge to terms by making him presents.
This effort was commenced by sending him a box of very choice cigars,
accompanied by a note asking for a letter of introduction to the head of
the Treasury Department. The writer's spelling was a little defective,
and he wrote the word " Treachery " instead of Treasury. General Dodge
at once forwarded the letter to the Treasury Department, with a state-
ment that the Jew seemed to be singularly fortunate in his new designa-
tion of the great fountain of greenbacks ! Of course this story also got
out and was published far and wide at the time. It is safe to say that no
illegitimate traffic was ever carried on where Dodge was in command.

How General Dodge became one of Grant's most valued and most
efficient lieutenants — especially in rebuilding Southern railroads which had
been destroyed ; how he fell almost mortally wounded before Atlanta,
these things and many others in his illustrious career are fully chronicled
in General Grant's Personal Memoirs. Then, after the war closed, Gen-
eral Dodge became Chief Engineer of the Union Pacific railway, where
his indomitable energy was one of the most important factors in the con-
struction of that stupendous national work.

It is to be hoped that the life of this great hero and engineer — who is
as modest as he is great — may yet be written and given to the world.

%U^r J^<^

Webster City, Iowa.

THE STORY OF ROGER WILLIAMS RETOLD

The beginning of Roger Williams's remarkable life may ever remain, as
now, a mystery. For nearly three hundred years common authority has
located the place of his birth somewhere in Wales, but recent genealogi-
cal researches among dusty archives in London have disclosed sundry
important papers which it is claimed prove that he was a native of that
city. One of these papers, a will of Alice Williams, dated in 1634, speaks
of her son Roger, his wife and child, who were beyond the seas, which
statement evidently referred to the subject of this sketch. Letters have
also been found written by the Roger of London, whose signature cor-
responds with that of the Roger of Rhode Island, and where the contents
of the correspondence would imply identity. Whether these documents
prove anything more than that Roger Williams was at one time a resident
of London, which no one doubts, is still an open question. The date of
his birth, though not universally conceded, is fixed by the best authorities
in 1599.

This year, the fourth before the death of England's great queen
Elizabeth, was marked by the birth of two boys, distantly related — one
in the fens of Huntingdon, the other probably in the mountain fast-
nesses of Wales, possibly in London or Cornwall — kindred spirits whose
influence on civil and religious freedom was to be felt throughout two
continents and the world itself: the one, Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector
of England, who made the name of Englishman as great as that of
Roman ; the other, Roger Williams, who became in America the champion
of religious liberty. The foundation of his future usefulness was laid in
early life. He says : " From my childhood, the Father of lights and
mercies touched my soul with a love to himself, to his only begotten the
true Lord Jesus, and to his Holy Scriptures." The serious-minded boy
taking notes of the sermons in church and the evidence in the courts in
the Star Chamber attracted the attention of Sir Edward Coke, the famous
lawyer, to whom he was probably indebted for his education, taking his
degree with honor at the Cambridge university. After graduation, possi-
bly influenced by Sir Edward Coke, he commenced the study of law, but
soon turned his attention to theology and was ordained a minister of the
established church.

It was an important period in English history. The great struggle

THE STORY OF ROGER WILLIAMS RETOLD 313

which commenced with the Reformation was revived, and all England
was stirred with the bitter strife between churchman and dissenter.
Hatred of Popery and everything connected with it in those days was a
mighty passion; it meant "love of truth, love of England, love of liberty,
love of God." Elizabeth, though supposed to be friendly to the Protest-
ants, loved the pomp and show of the Romish ceremonials, and insisted
on retaining many of them in the established church. The court of high
commission, the " Protestant Inquisition," instituted by Elizabeth — who
hated the non-conformists more than she did the Papists — and perpetuated
in the reign of her successor James I., was in full power. Ministers who
refused to comply with its demands were fined, imprisoned, or deprived of
their livings. The test given them was, " Ye that will submit to this order,
write Volo ; ye that will not submit, write Nolo. Be brief, make no
words." If they refused to take this oath, they were imprisoned for
contempt; if they took it, they were fined or imprisoned on their own
confession. Others, "of whom the world was not worthy," "had trial
of cruel mockings and scourgings ; destitute, afflicted, tormented, they
wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth."
Finally there were only two thousand ministers left for ten thousand
churches.

Under these circumstances Roger Williams with his Welsh tempera-
ment, excitable, generous, courageous, firm, became a Puritan of the
straitest sect, a Brownist, keen, resolute, and uncompromising. The fol-
lower of a man who had been imprisoned twelve times for his opinions,
where often it was so dark he was unable to see his hand before him at
noonday — what to him were all the ties of country and home where
liberty of conscience was at stake? Eleven years after the departure of
the Pilgrims, this Puritan minister came also a fugitive from English intol-
erance, with high hopes and Utopian ideas of a religious paradise, to seek
a home in the new world. Vain expectations ! On arriving in Boston he
found that human nature was the same on both sides of the ocean. The
Puritans of the Massachusetts Bay colony had come to America to enjoy
their own religious liberty, not to grant it to their neighbors, and they
were not prepared to welcome this apostle of a purer and broader Puri-
tanism, who had a mission peculiarly his own, and refused to unite with
their church because they would not declare publicly that they repented
having communed with the church of England. It would seem that men
who like the Puritans had left their homes to avoid persecution for their
religious faith, would have welcomed him and his teachings with delight,
but instead they bitterly opposed both.

314 THE STORY OF ROGER WILLIAMS RETOLD

From Boston Williams went to Salem, a town the older by three years,
and was welcomed there as teacher and assistant pastor. He taught the
great doctrine the sacredness of the right of belief — that " the civil mag-
istrate should restrain crime but never control opinion, should punish
guilt but never violate the freedom of the soul, and persecution for the
cause of conscience is most evidently contrary to the doctrine of the
Lord Jesus."

Here as a citizen of the colony and a minister of the oldest church in
America, he endeared himself to all. But the authorities at Boston, hold-
ing that the people of Salem had no right to choose a minister whom they
of Boston did not approve, were constantly making trouble, and for the
sake of peace Williams resigned his pastorate and removed to Plymouth,
where he found warm friends and spent two happy years as pastor of their
church. Wishing to carry the gospel to the Indians, he spent much time,
he says, in "their filthy, poky holes to gain their tongue," securing at the
same time the friendship of Canonicus, Miantinomi, and other chiefs, who
were afterward to prove themselves his truest friends in his time of great-
est need.

Returning to Salem at the earnest request of his former people, he be-
came again their pastor in spite of the opposition of Boston. Here he
continued to advance many new opinions — that it was not right for an un-
regenerate man to pray or for Christians to pray with such, or to take an
oath before a magistrate, even one of allegiance to the state ; that King
Charles had no right to the Indians' lands, and hence the colonists' charter
was invalid ; that the government had no right to restrain or direct the
consciences of men, and anything short of unlimited toleration for all
religious systems was the bitterest persecution. While demanding all this
from others, he refused communion to all persons wTho did not believe just
as he did, forbidding his church at Salem to communicate with the churches
at the Bay, and on their refusal to comply left them and held meetings in
a private house. He even refused to associate with his wife because she
attended the church at Salem, and with his children because they were
not Christians. Like some of later days, " Orthodoxy was his doxy,
heterodoxy his neighbors' doxy."

His associates were men like-minded with himself, who had suffered
persecution for their faith, and abhorred every symbol, badge, and practice
associated with their oppressors. One of them, Endicott, who had been
a magistrate and lieutenant-governor of Massachusetts, instigated by one
of Williams's sermons, in a transport of religious frenzy cut the cross from
the royal standard, and many of the soldiers, catching the contagion, de-

THE STORY OF ROGER WILLIAMS RETOLD 315

clared they would no longer follow a flag on which the Popish emblem was
painted.

Meanwhile as a punishment to the Salem church for ordaining Wil-
liams, the Bay colony refused to grant them a title to their lands, and on
their remonstrance denied them representation in court, and imprisoned
Endicott who had dared to speak in their behalf. Williams was again and
again brought before the court to defend his church and himself, and
refusing to submit to their authority was banished from the colony. His
doctrines, they claimed, would overthrow the authority of government ;
he was " a dangerous man, a teacher of heresy," and hence banished, and
his church debarred all rights as citizens till apologies had been made for
listening to his preaching. Cotton Mather, in his Magnalia, compared
him to "a windmill whose rapid motion would set the country on fire."
Was it a prophecy?

His sentence was to take effect in six weeks. He returned to Salem
to find his church at the feet of the magistrates and his wife reproaching
him for not submitting to their requirements. Still he stood firm to his
convictions. The whole town was in an uproar at his sentence, for they
loved and respected the godly, disinterested man. During this time of
trouble his second child was born, and with almost prophetic vision was
named Freeborn.

Learning that arrangements were being made to send him to England
in a ship about to sail, he left his congregation, who gathered around him
with prayers and tears, to find a home in the Narragansett wilderness.
With only his pocket compass for a guide, he wandered here for fourteen
weeks in the bitter winter season, not knowing, as he says, " what bed or
bread did mean."

The sufferings of that winter can never be told. Its effects were felt
to old age. Had it not been for the Indians whose friendship he had
gained at Plymouth, the fierce Canonicus loving him as his own son,
he must have perished. From his old friend Massasoit he obtained a
grant of land in Seekonk, where he commenced building a house. Crops
were planted and in vigorous growth, and it seemed at last that the weary
traveler had found a resting-place. But no, he was not yet out of the
jurisdiction of the colonies, and soon received orders, with many profes-
sions of love and affection, to move farther on, where he could have the
country free before him. Without remonstrance or complaint he em-
barked in a canoe with five others to seek again a home in the wilderness.
After landing at " Slate Rock;" and receiving from the Indians their friendly
greeting, " What cheer, Netop, what cheer ! " he ascended the Providence

316

THE STORY OF ROGER WILLIAMS RETOLD

river and found on its banks the resting-place he sought, calling it " Provi-
dence " in token of the Divine care.

He had been obliged to mortgage his house in Salem, had lost his
spring planting by his removal from Seekonk, and was very poor. " Day
and night, at home and abroad, on the land and water, at the hoe and at
the oar," he labored for bread. Yet he reserved to himself no lands, no
rights more than he granted to the poorest stranger, though they were his
own, he says, " as much as the coat on his back," having been obtained by
purchase from the Indians. Afterward, when the land on what is now
Main street was divided into the " Providence plantations," Williams re-
ceived about two hundred dollars.

Three years after his settlement in Providence, having doubts about
any other than immersion being the proper mode of baptism, he organized
the first Baptist church in America, first being immersed himself by Mr.
Holman, one of his lay members, and afterward immersing Holman and
ten others ; but a few months later he withdrew from the church altogether,
holding that the true apostolic church had ceased to exist on earth. Is it
any wonder, in view of his life-long troubles with the existing churches ?
Here was founded the first government, since Christianity ascended the
throne of the Caesars (says Judge Story), to acknowledge the right of
conscience; the model on which the American Republic was to be built,
proclaiming to all that government should have dominion only in civil
things. To this region came the persecuted for conscience' sake to find a
refuge and a shelter ; here came the Quakers from the storm of persecution
in the Bay colonies ; here, too, came Coddington, Clark, and Mrs. Hutch-
inson to find in Acquidneck the " Isle of Peace."

Among all these discordant elements Roger Williams was the peace-
maker. It was he who obtained Acquidneck for the followers of Mrs.
Hutchinson ; it was he who spent days and nights in peril of his life to avert
Indian troubles, again and again making peace when all New England was
ripe for war, acting as mediator even among the Indians themselves ; at
one time for three days and nights in constant danger of their glisten-
ing knives, breaking up the conspiracy of the Narragansetts and Pequots
against Massachusetts — this for those whose cruel act had driven him into
exile. So important were his services that a proposition was made in
Boston to revoke his sentence of banishment. Of his Massachusetts per-
secutors he says, " I did ever upon my soul honor and love them, even when
their judgment led them to afflict me," and in all his writings there is not
one word of blame for them. Owing to continued disputes among the
colonists, increasing Indian troubles, and the fact that Massachusetts,

THE STORY OF ROGER WILLIAMS RETOLD 317

Plymouth, and Connecticut had formed a union for the common defense,
leaving Providence and Rhode Island "out in the cold," it was thought
best to unite them under a common government, and Williams was sent
to England to obtain a charter. His time on the voyage was occupied
in preparing his Key to the Languages of America, for which he had been
fourteen years collecting material. This was published soon after his
arrival in England.

His mission was a complete success. The guest of Sir Harry Vane
who had been banished from the Bay colonies with Mrs. Hutchinson, and
had risen to place and power under the Protectorate, Williams had no
difficulty in obtaining the charter desired. Bearing a letter of remon-
strance and recommendation from the home government he landed at
Boston, was allowed to depart unmolested, and was received at Providence
with great rejoicing and an escort of fourteen canoes.

It would seem that from.this time peace should have come to him, but
there seemed to be no peace : continued dissensions, never-ceasing Indian
troubles, treachery on the part of Coddington by which the charter was
invalidated, made another appeal to England necessary, and Williams and
Clark were sent to the mother country as agents to adjust the troubles.
Williams was again the guest of Sir Harry Vane, and the intimate friend
of Cromwell and Milton, who were kindred spirits. During the two weary
years of waiting for the adjustment of the colonial difficulties he utilized
his proficiency in the Hebrew, Greek, Latin, French, and Dutch languages
by teaching them conversationally, Milton himself being one of his
scholars.

After his return he was elected president of the colony, and the word
Hope was added to the anchor on the Rhode Island flag. But peace was
not yet. Quaker troubles, Indian wars, colonial quarrels, nearly crushed
the brave spirit which till the end of his long career made unceasing efforts
for peace. " His patience," said Governor Winthrop, " was often tried
but never conquered." Yet, " ring the bells low, and burn the lights
faintly," for at his trading post in Kingston Roger Williams was licensed
to sell liquor! True, it was only to the Indians, which makes a difference.
Still, " pity 'tis 'tis true," that he who had brought so much of good to his
red brethren should have had any share in putting to their lips the white
man's curse, the Indian's " fire water."

A prolific writer, Roger Williams excelled in controversial ability.
Lash of muscle he did not allow for his opponents, but'lash of tongue and
pen he could and did wield with vigor. His controversial spirit is seen in
the quaint titles of his books ; such as George Fox Digged out of his Bur-

3i8

THE STORY OF ROGER WILLIAMS RETOLD

rows and The Bloody Tenet of Persecution for the Cause of Conscience.
The latter being replied to by Mr. Cotton in The Bloody Tenet of Persecu-
tion for the Cause of Conscience, Washed and made White in the Blood of the
Lamb. The undaunted Williams retaliated with The Bloody Tenet of Per-
secution made yet More Bloody by Mr. Cotton s Endeavor to wash it white
in the Blood of the Lamb. We see him, too, an old man in the seventies,
rowing an open boat from Providence, in the dead of winter, to engage
in a controversy with George Fox in the old Quaker meeting-house in
Newport.

Such was Roger Williams, the apostle of religious liberty, the patron
saint of Rhode Island, who shaped its history for more than forty years
— a man of stern convictions, strong opinions, and sharp corners; " most
hated where least known ; " stern and unbending to his opponents, gene-
rous and genial to his friends, charitable and magnanimous to his enemies ;
a compound of bigotry and liberality, yet of pure and blameless life ; his
" sincerity the key to his character," his one idea the sanctity of conscience ;
its results seen in our " declaration of independence," our freedom from
the union of church and state, our liberty to worship God ; in his day a
crank, an outcast, a tramp : now,

" With freedom's soil beneath our feet,
And freedom's banner streaming o'er us,"

a man whom thousands delight to honor; whose name is a synonym
for the good, the brave, the true, the kind-hearted, the magnanimous ; in
whose honor we erect monuments and public buildings ; name our soci-
eties, halls and churches, so that in more senses than one it may be said,
as of Sir Christopher Wren in St. Paul's cathedral, " If you ask for his
monument, look around you." His life story can never be told ; its influ-
ence spreads in ever widening circles to the furthest limits of civilization,
and stretches forward through the coming ages to all time.

Newport, Rhode Island

J%* S. $£<*****™f

MINOR TOPICS
ANTIQUARIAN RICHES OF TENNESSEE

On the field where General Thomas fought one of the great battles of the civil
war in the winter of 1864-65, five miles south of Nashville, along Brown's creek,
is found the site of an old Indian metropolis and an immense aboriginal cemetery.
Three thousand closely-laid stone graves are known to exist there, and a thousand
have been discovered on an adjoining farm. These and smaller Indian cemeteries
in the neighboring region establish the fact that the Indians had an ancient town
at Nashville, with many surrounding villages and settlements. The antiquities
found in the central cemetery are numerous and important.

Mr. Gates P. Thruston of the Tennessee Historical Society has made elabo-
rate studies of the unique and remarkable objects found in these burial places, and
has gathered several hundred in pictorial form, with detailed descriptions of them,
into his recently published volume, which affords the reader nearly all the pleas-
ure of a visit to an extensive museum. He says : "Six or seven hundred perfect
specimens of well-burned pottery have been obtained, many of them unique in
form, and so finely finished that they maybe said to be semi-glazed. Nearly every
familiar object, animate and inanimate, is represented in the forms of this ware.
Animals, birds, and fish in great variety, the human figure in many attitudes, sea-
shell forms, and grotesque and fanciful figures are all here, and many of the vessels
have been colored and decorated with considerable artistic skill. There are cook-
ing vessels, drinking cups, water jars, hanging vessels, sets of ware ornamented and
plain, basins, bottles, vases, spoons, and, indeed, every variety of equipment for a
well-stocked aboriginal cuisine. Many of the images and terra cotta heads doubt-
less show approximately types of the very faces and lineaments of the race buried
beside them, evidently the ancient I4ndian aristocracy of the Cumberland valley.
Doubtless these Nashville Indians were an advanced type, and considerably more
civilized than their descendants. They had insignia of social organization and
ceremonial, and were a rising people when the Iroquois of the north descended
upon and scattered them. And besides, the Indian, devoted to his family or tribe,
had in his social system a natural tendency to disintegration. Haughty, taciturn,
impracticable, impatient of reproof, faithful friends, implacable enemies, they never
seemed able to grasp the principle of order, submission, and union necessary to
stability and enduring progress."

Among the most interesting objects found in the ancient cemeteries of Ten-
nessee are those of shell. It seems there was an " age of shell.'' Drinking vessels
in shell are very numerous, as also finely engraved gorgets and quaint shell spoons

320 MINOR TOPICS

of various types. Mr. Thruston observes that " the ancient tribes of Tennessee
were evidently more refined in their manner of eating than some of their more sav-
age neighbors outside of the mound districts. Their shell spoons were of very
proper and limited size." The fine shell bowl — the spoon — is, in most instances, as
light and delicately formed as modern china ware. Many beads and personal
ornaments of shell have been found ; also curious pins of shell, probably used for
the hair. Sometimes these pins are very long, with heads shaped like common
nails. One little shell bracelet has been taken from a grave, most ingeniously
carved, which seems to indicate a somewhat advanced condition of society. The
engraved shell gorgets are of still greater significance, ornamented as they are with
circles or circular devices. Mr. Thruston says : " The civilization of Peru had
declined from its best estate when the Spaniards first appeared, and trampled
upon the power of the Incas ; the Mayas had lapsed into barbarism, and their im-
posing structures of stone were in ruins when discovered ; the Aztecs were less
civilized than their predecessors the Toltecs ; and the progressive race of mound-
builders, who once doubtless formed a strong tribal alliance or confederacy in the
Mississippi valley and adjacent sections, had also probably reached the zenith and
decline of their power when Columbus set sail upon his voyage of discovery ; but
unmistakable evidences of their more advanced state have already been found in
many ancient centres of their population and progress."

ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS
DURAND'S PICTURE OF THE "CAPTURE OF MAJOR ANDRE"

[The following correspondence is not without interest to lovers of art, as well as to those who
regard historical accuracy. Mr. Clover was a well-known friend of artists many years ago, in New
York, who died at the advanced age of eighty-nine years. His son, the Rev. Dr. Lewis P. Clover,
to whom the letters are addressed, was a young and promising artist in years gone by, a pupil of
Durand, and an associate of the National Academy of Design. The close relations and life-long
friendship existing between the master and pupil naturally inclined the children to call upon his
and their old friend Dr. Clover to officiate at the funeral of their father, who died at about the age
of ninety years, and was buried in Greenwood Cemetery.]

JOHN DURAND TO REV. DR. CLOVER

[first letter]

South Orange 18th 1876.
Dear Lewis

Father has not written a letter for many months, and as I fear that you might
wait a long time for his answer, I reply for him — to your letter which he received
this morning. Otherwise you might have to wait until I walk over to Milburn to
rummage over that portfolio of engravings

With regard to the " Capture of Major Andre " father thinks that you are mis-
taken in its being a commission from your father; although he knows that it was in
his possession. He thinks that he painted it independent of any commission, and
that he probably sold it to him. This impression is sustained by reference to the
catalogue of the exhibition of 1835, in which the picture was placed, and he finds
that it is not marked with any possessor's name. You are quite right with regard
to the " Boonton Falls " landscape. In relation to that picture his memory is per-
fectly clear. The commission came from your father, and he executed it accord-
ingly. It is the first commission he had for a view of local scenery.

I intend to see you the first favorable day for a walk. In the meantime, per-
haps you will have had a talk with your father, about these matters which are inter-
esting to all of us.

With best respects to the family

Faithfully Yours

John Durand.
Vol. XXlV.-No. 4.--21

322 ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS

[second letter]

South Orange

November* 26th 1878
Dear Lewis

In relation to the picture of Major Andre, father recollects that he went to
Tarrytown to make studies, or drawings rather of the locality of the arrest; but he
does not remember who went with him. As I said in my last note, he can recall
no circumstance connected with the picture at the time he painted it, except that
it fell into your father's possession, and subsequently into that of James K. Pauld-
ing. He thinks that it is quite possible your father actually commissioned him to
paint the picture inasmuch, as at that time there were few amateurs — in fact" none
— who could give a commission for a work of that stamp ; local art being esteemed
only by those who were familiar with artists, and who like your father, could meas-
ure the degree of encouragement for it.

I enclose the note concerning engravings by the Masters of the Art, which for-
tunately, father was in the humor to write this morning.

Faithfully yours,

John Durand.

MR. CLOVER, SENIOR, TO REV. DR. CLOVER

Dec. 14, 1878.
Dear Lewis

As regards the pictures you speak of, the following were painted for me by Mr.
Durand viz " Boonton Falls " and the " Capture of Major Andre." f Boonton
Falls made a very pleasing picture. That of Major Andre was of more value from
its historical association. The view of the ground was no doubt correct, as it was
pointed out to Mr. Durand by an old resident of the place. I was present at the
time, and know this to be the fact. But few persons in looking at this picture
realize how closely identified the event it represents, is with the history of our
country. Col. Trumbull, when he saw it said " But for that event the declaration
of independence might have proved abortive, and the blood of so many of our
countrymen shed in vain."

I had a few other pictures painted to order which I cannot recall at present

Yours Affectionately

L. P. Clover.

* December 2.

f One of the original lead-pencil designs for this picture by Durand, together with the origi-
nal designs of the "Prisoner of Chilon " by Wm. Page, "A Man in Easy Circumstances" by
Wm. S. Mount, and other sketches are in the possession of the Rev. Dr. Clover.

NOTES

323

NOTES

Washington as a fox-hunter —
" His diaries," writes Henry Cabot
Lodge, " abound with allusions to the
sport." As, for instance " ' Went a-hunt-
ing with Jacky Custis and catched a fox
after three hours' chase ; found it in the
creek.' ' Mr. Bryan Fairfax, Mr. Gray-
son and Phil. Alexander came home
by sunrise. Hunted and catched a fox
with these, Lord Fairfax, his brother,
and Colonel Fairfax, all of whom, with
Mr. Fairfax and Mr. Wilson of Eng-
land, dined here.' Again, November
26th and 29th, ' Hunted again with
the same party.' ' 1768, January 8th,
Hunting again with same company.
Started a fox and run him 4 hours.
Took the hounds off at night.' ' January
15, shooting.' ' 16. At home all day with
cards ; it snowing.' ' 23. Rid to Muddy
Hole and directed paths to be cut for fox-
hunting.' 'Feb. 12. Catched 2 foxes.'
'Feb. 13. Catched 2 more foxes.' 'Mar.
2. Catched fox with bobbed tail and cut
ears after 7 hours' chase, in which most
of the dogs were worsted.' ' Dec. 5. Fox-
hunting with Lord Fairfax and his
brother and Colonel Fairfax. Started a
fox and lost it. Dined at Belvoir and
returned in the evening.' So the entries
run on, for he hunted almost every day
in the season, usually with success, always
with persistence."

President Lincoln's prophecy — In
his second annual message, dated Decem-
ber 1, 1862, President Lincoln said :
u Fellow Citizens, we cannot escape his-
tory. We of this congress and this admin-
istration will be remembered in spite of

ourselves. No personal significance or
insignificance can spare one or another
of us. The fiery trial through which we
pass will light us down, in honor or dis-
honor, to the latest generation. We say
we are for the Union. The world will
not forget that we say this. We know
how to save the Union. The world
knows we do know how to save it. We
— even we here — hold the power and
bear the responsibility. In giving free-
dom to the slave we assure freedom to
the free — honorable alike in what we
give and what we preserve. We shall
nobly save, or meanly lose, the last best
hope of earth. Other means may suc-
ceed, this could not fail. The way is
plain, peaceful, generous, just — a way
which, if followed, the world will forever
applaud, and God must forever bless."

Jonathan sturges — The following
story is told of Jonathan Sturges's arrival
in New York and meeting with Robert
Lenox : Jonathan, a rustic lad from New
England, arrived on a vessel in New
York on Saturday evening, a stranger,
with very little money in his pocket. On
Sunday morning he looked around for a
church. He found the old Wall Street
house of worship near Broadway, and
stood on the step while the gay throng of
church-goers passed in. The grandeur
of the place appalled him.

Robert Lenox, a prominent member
of the church, was always interested in
young men. He saw the boy and spoke
to him.

" Are you a stranger in the city ? "

u Yes, sir ; I arrived last night."

324

QUERIES — REPLIES

" So you came at once to the house of
God ? Would you like a seat ? "

" I would, thank you. "

The bashful lad was ushered into Mr.
Lenox's own pew. The next morning he
sought out a dealer in sail-cloth. He
wanted credit for a little canvas. * Did I
not see you in Mr. Lenox's pew yester-
day ? " asked the merchant.

" I don't know whose pew I sat in,

but a kind gentleman gave me a seat,"
was the reply.

" Well, lad, that was Mr. Lenox, and
it is no common honor to be asked to
sit in his pew ; I will trust any boy with
goods who has had that honor conferred
upon him."

To the day of his death Mr. Sturges
said that his success dated from that
Sunday. — Youth's Companion.

QUERIES

James de peyster ogden — The New
York Life Insurance Company is anxious
to discover the names and addresses of
any or all of the children of the late
James De Peyster Ogden of New York,
the first president of the company, who
died in 1870, at his residence in Crosby
street. Any replies sent to me, care of
the company's publication department,
will be highly appreciated.

W. Abbott

346 Broadway, New York City.

Tablecloth of francis willough-
by — The descendants of Deputy-Gov-
ernor Francis Willoughby of Massachu-
setts have a tablecloth which, in an old

family tradition, is said to have been em-
broidered by Princess Elizabeth when
she was imprisoned in the Tower, and to
have been given by her to her relative, a
Willoughby lady who was her maid of
honor. It is a fact of history that the
Hon. Margaret Willoughby, her cousin,
was maid of honor to the princess. The
tablecloth bears the mark of a square
padlock wrought in needlework. Was
this cipher used by Princess Elizabeth
in her captivity or at any other time ?
The information is needed for the Wil-
loughby monograph in their family his-
tories and genealogies by
Mr. and Mrs. Edward E. Salisbury
New Haven, Conn.

REPLIES

Tent on the beach [xxiv. 232] —
The following are the " three friends," as
I understand, in Whittier's poem : The
" lettered magnate lording o'er an ever
widening realm of books " is certainly
James T. Fields, the poet-publisher and
critic ; the " dream born " philosopher,
poet, and reformer is the sage Ralph
Waldo Emerson of Concord: and "one

whose Arab face was tanned by tropic
suns and boreal frost " can be no other
than Bayard Taylor.

D. F. L.

Manchester, Mass.

We think Whittier refers to himself,
instead of Ralph Waldo Emerson, in his
famous lines :

REPLIES

325

" And one there was, a dreamer born,
Who, with a mission to fulfil,
Had left the Muses' haunts, to turn
The crank of an opinion-mill;"

and that the " three friends " were James
T. Fields, Bayard Taylor, and Whittier
himself.

Editor

KlTTEREEN, UNDER THE HAMMER-
CLOTH [xxiii. 506, xxiv. 72] — Accord-
ing to " Anonymana," London, 1809,
Century v., iii. p. 181, the hammer-
cloth is an ornamented covering for a
coach-box : the coachman formerly used
to carry a hammer, pincers, a few nails,
etc., in a leather J>ouc/i hanging to his box,
and this cloth was devised for the hiding
or concealing of them from public view-
Subsequently a small box or chest re-
placed the pouch, and I hold that such
a box or chest under the hammer-cloth
was a kittereen.

Anchor
Tivoli, New York.

Kittereen [xxiii. 506, xxiv. 72] —
Your correspondent Anchor is mistaken
in regard to the kittereen ; it was a vehicle
manufactured for the colonial trade. In
looking over a file of the Jamaica (W. I.)
newspapers I find the following refer-
ences : 1780, a new "kitterine harness "
offered for sale. 1781, a coachmaker
offers "coaches, chariots, phaetons, kit-
tereens and sulkies " for sale. A tavern-
keeper will hire to any part of the Island
of Jamaica " kittereens and saddle
horses:" 1782, a "kitterine" almost
new to be sold. The following impor-
tant advertisement appeared in March,
1782: "Horse and chaise. A gentle-
man has a very neat and strong made

kitterine, with the patent wheel, and a
pair of harness to dispose of."

A description of the Island of Jamaica,
printed in 1788, contains this paragraph:
" The merchants of Kingston go from
their residences in the country, or higher
part of the town, to their stores in kit-
tereens (single horse chaise) about nine
in the morning ; while ladies never ap-
pear on foot in the streets, but are, when
out, in chaises, sulkies, or kittereens."

Long's History of Jamaica (vol. i. p.
591) contains a table of rates of freight
from London to Jamaica as settled nth
September, 177 1. Among the articles
enumerated, are coaches with carriages
and wheels, chariots with ditto, four-
wheeled post-chaises with ditto, two-
wheeled chaises with tops, two-wheeled
chaises without tops or hetterings, sedan
chairs in cases.

A kittereen was a two-wheel, single
horse chaise without a top.

Petersfield

The battle of nations [xxiv. 232]
— The term " battle of the nations,"
known in Germany as the Volkerschlacht
is given to the terrible conflict at Leipsic,
fought October 16-19, 1813. It well de-
serves its soubriquet, for on that sanguin-
ary field the great Napoleon was con-
tending with the armies of Austria,
Russia, and Prussia. Among the nations
engaged can be counted French, Saxons,
Prussians, Austrians, Poles, Russians,
Wurtembergers, and many minor nation-
alities. Its loss to Napoleon was the
cause of his first downfall, which took
place the following year.

David FitzGerald
Washington, D. C.

326

BOOK NOTICES

THE ANTIQUITIES OF TENNESSEE and

the Adjacent States, and the State of Aborigi-
nal Society in the scale of Civilization repre-
sented by them. A series of historical and
ethnological studies. By Gates P. Thrus-
TON, corresponding secretary of the Tennes-
see Historical Society. Illustrated. 8vo, pp.
369. Cincinnati, 1S90. Robert Clarke & Co.
This is the most elaborately illustrated work
on the special subject of archaeology that has ap-
peared in forty years — since the government in
1 85 1 published the " Ancient Monuments of the
Mississippi Valley." The volume is really an
elaboration of an article entitled, " The Ancient
Races of America," which graced the pages of
this magazine in May, 1885. As the author sub-
sequently proceeded with his studies, he found
new objects of interest and made many discover-
ies— new types of images and idols, inscribed
stones, new forms of pottery, engraved gorgets,
plastering trowels, an aboriginal fork, and vari-
ous strange new implements. He must neces-
sarily consider the general subject of the mound-
builders, their arts and industries. And thus
his work expanded. The book as now published
contains two hundred and sixty-three maps,
plates, and engravings, many of which are from
photographs. Thousands of graves have been
found together in certain instances in making
excavations for these studies, and the contents
include toys for children, such as miniature pot-
tery, rattles, and marbles ; tools for workers in
clay, stone, and bone ; medicine paddles, chisels
of chipped flint, and pulley-like wheels thinly
coated with native copper. Many of the objects
seem to have been brought from a distance, as
shell from the Gulf, mica from Virginia and
North Carolina, copper from Lake Superior, and
various minerals from regions hundreds of miles
away. These Indian graves, within thirty miles
of Nashville, out-number the graves of the white
race after a century of occupation. Mr. Thrus-
ton says : " All standard authorities agree that
our western continent had been peopled at least
two or three thousand years prior to the date of
its discovery. This fact must be fully realized
and accepted without question before progress
can be made in the investigation. Geology,
history, ruins upon ruins, tradition, moral and
physical characteristics, the great variety of
languages, the wide-spread dispersion — all unite
in establishing the remoteness of the period. It
must be measured by the epochs of geologic time
rather than by the years of chronology." The
work is most creditable to the taste and skill and
learning of its author, and will be greatly prized
by all lovers of American archaeology. Wishing

to place the volume within easy reach of stu-
dents, collectors, and antiquarians, the price has
been fixed at $4, without regard to the fact that
the edition published will not repay the expense
of preparing the illustrations. We cordially
commend it to the attention of our readers.

ARCHIVES OF MARYLAND. The eighth
volume. Proceedings of the Council of
Maryland, 1687 (8)-i6g3. Edited by Wil-
liam Hand Browne. 8vo, pp. 587. Pub-
lished by authority of the state, under the
direction of the Maryland Historical Society.
Baltimore, 1890.

The eighth volume of this valuable work con-
tinues the council records without a break down
to the outburst of the revolution, the result of
which was to take the government of Maryland
from the proprietary and place it in the hands of
the king. In the chaotic times which followed,
no regular council- journal seems to have been
kept, or at least none has been preserved.
The occurrences of the years from 1689 to 1692
are supplemented as well as practicable by the
help of documents in the public record office in
London. The proclamation of William and
Mary was delayed in reaching Maryland by the
death of the messenger, which was unfortunate
for the province. Maryland's revolution in 1689
was not in the beginning a popular movement,
but the work of a few malcontents and fishers
in troubled waters, with the apostate Coode at
their head, who played upon the credulity, the
fears, and the ignorance of the people, as did
Leisler in New York. It was easy to alarm the
inhabitants with stories that the Indians and
Papists were on their way, coming to massacre
the Protestants. The country was thrown into
a panic of excitement, and then Coode and his
coadjutors stepped forward in the character of
protectors and preservers of order, and made
themselves masters of the province, imprisoning
or frightening away all who resisted them.
When this was accomplished they hastened to
hand the province over to the king in the name
of all the Protestants in Maryland. William, for-
tified by the opinion of Lord Chief Justice Holt
that the proceeding, if not strictly lawful, was
at least expedient, took the government into his
own hands, leaving to Baltimore, however, his
territorial possessions and personal revenues.
Maryland thus became a royal government, and
so continued for twenty-five years, though the
charter was never annulled. Lord Chief Justice
Holt advised Lord Caermarthen, president of the
privy council, on the question of law, as fol-

BOOK NOTICES

327

lows : "I think it had been better if an inquisi-
tion had been taken and the forfeitures com-
mitted by the Lord Baltemore had been therein
founde before any grant be made to a new gov-
ernor yet since there is none and it being a case
of necessity I thinke the king may by his commis-
sion constitute a governor whose authority will
be legall. though he must be responsible to
Lord Baltemore for the profits. If an agree-
ment can be made with Lord Baltemore it will
be convenient and easy for the governor that
the king shall appoint ; an inquisition may at
any time be taken if the forfeiture be not par-
doned of which there is some doubt."

REPORT OF THE CANADIAN AR-
CHIVES. By Douglas Brymer, Archivist.
Being an appendix to Report of the Minister
of Agriculture. 8vo, pp. 337. Ottawa, 1890.
The original documents in the Canadian ar-
chives cover the period from the earliest settle-
ment of Canada to recent dates, and are especially
rich in documents of the last century relating to
the Northwest. The Haldimand collection is one
of peculiar value through the fact that it illumi-
nates the most obscure decades in Canadian his-
tory. The correspondence throws a flood of light
on events of the time in Canada, and also on con-
temporary events in what were then known as
the American colonies. Mr. Brymer has brought
order and information out of a chaotic mass of
state papers, having arranged and calendared
them in printed form so skilfully and intelligently
that the scholarly public in all the future will be
able to make use of them, for historical purposes
and structures. The private diary of Haldimand,
beginning with the year 1786, occupies one hun-
dred and sixty-four pages of this volume, pre-
sented in both French and English. Nothing
could be more welcome. It presents a series of
pictures of the times, to be found nowhere else.
An example may be found in what he writes on
the 17th of January, 1786: "Visited General Pat-
terson who entertained me with the misfortunes
of the American war, and the enormous expense
it had entailed. He believes that there may be
a subject of inquiry by Parliament this session.
He has all the accounts and papers ready. He
tells me that Major Andre had a presentiment
of some misfortune ; that he (Patterson) was
strongly opposed to the plan of gaining Arnold,
and that Andre might have avoided exposing
himself. He says he was present when the gen-
eral told the king (speaking of Boston) that he
had sufficient troops to bring these people to
reason, &c. When General Patterson set out for
Boston, he had express orders from the minister
to report the state of things. He did so without
reserve. The letter was shown to the king, who,
preoccupied with what General Gage had told

him, paid no attention to the letter, saying that
Mr. Gage having spent so long a time in Amer-
ica, must know that country and the character of
its inhabitants better than Patterson." The cal-
endar of the Boquet collection is also of surpass-
ing value. Colonel Boquet's Letter Book opens
May 13, 1756. He was a native of Switzer-
land, had served in the Dutch and Sardinian
armies, and in 1754 was selected to act with
Haldimand in raising men for the " Royal Amer-
icans," a corps intended for the British service
in America, the officers of which were to be
either American or foreign Protestants. Boquet,
it is well known, was actively employed in Amer-
ica during the last years of the war between
France and Britain, and held a leading command
in the contest with the Indians, including the
period of the Pontiac war.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN'S PEN AND VOICE.
Being a complete compilation of his Letters,
Civil, Political, and Military. Also his Public
Addresses, Messages to Congress, etc. By
G. M. Van Buren. i2mo, pp. 435. Cincin-
nati, 1890. Robert Clarke & Co.
This work will be valued above any ordinary
biography of President Lincoln from the fact
that it records his own expressions of feeling,
sometimes hopeful, sometimes indignant, some-
times sad, and his remarkable opinions in times
of great trial. All these public and private
utterances bear the impress of an honest, con-
scientious regard for whatever he believed to be
right and wise. Colonel Van Buren has inserted
over one hundred letters in the volume, that
were written to the generals of the armies,
which caused many to style the President the
great general of the war ; also a nearly equal
number of letters to governors, members of
the cabinet, and private gentlemen. Lincoln's
various addresses, proclamations, and messages
to congress are also here, and may be studied
at leisure. Said Henry Ward Beecher, "On
his shoulders rested a government dearer to
him than his own life. At its life millions
were striking at home ; upon it foreign eyes were
lowered, and it stood like a lone island in a sea
full of storms, and every tide and wave seemed
eager to devour it. Upon thousands of hearts
great sorrows and anxieties have rested, but upon
not one such, and in such measure, as upon that
simple, truthful, noble soul, our faithful and
sainted Lincoln."

SETON OF PARBROATH IN SCOTLAND
AND AMERICA. i2mo, pp. 28, pamphlet.
Printed for private circulation. New York,
1890.

328

BOOK NOTICES

The earliest records of Scotland show that
the Setons flourished in the very beginning of the
twelfth century as a baronial family, holding ex-
tensive fiefs in capite of the crown. It is said
by Taylor, in his Great Historic Families of
Scotland, that " the Setons are among the most
ancient and illustrious of the great houses of
Scotland, and are proverbially said to have the
reddest blood in the kingdom. In consequence
of a remarkable number of other families of the
highest rank having sprung from their main
stock, the heads of the house are styled Mag-
na Nobilitatis Domini; and from their inter-
marriage upon four different occasions with the
royal family, they obtained the addition to
their shield of the royal or double tressure."
The genealogy is traced with care in this little
work, and the members of the family who set-
tled in New York are faithfully described. Wil-
liam Seton, who came here in 1758, married the
daughter of Richard Curzon of Baltimore. His
son William Seton succeeded him as head of
the firm of Seton, Maitland & Co., New York,
and married a daughter of Richard Bayley,
M.D. The latter's son William Seton mar-
ried Emily, daughter of Nathaniel Prime, of the
great banking-house of Prime, Ward & King.
He also left a son William Seton. who is a man
of letters, and another son, Robert (Monsignor),
in holy orders, is now rector of Saint Joseph's
Church in Jersey City, New Jersey.

HISTORY OF THE REFORMED CHURCH,
FLATBUSH. By Mrs. Gertrude Lefferts
Vanderbilt. Square i6mo, pp. 49, pamphlet.
Easter, 1890. Published by the consistory.
This pleasantly written sketch forms a souve-
nir of interest and importance. The first
church edifice in Kings County was built in 1654
at Medwout, now the little town of Flatbush,
Long Island, which was then the most central
place in the vicinity, and the most easily acces-
sible to the inhabitants of other towns. The
building cost $1,800, the whole colony contrib-
uting. It was built in the form of a cross, sixty-
five feet long, twenty-eight feet broad, and about
fourteen feet high. The rear was reserved as a
minister's dwelling. A new structure rose upon
the same site about forty-five years afterwards,
built of stone, with a steep four-sided roof and a
steeple. It was upwards of seventy-five years
before this later sanctuary was remodeled and
pews substituted in the place of chairs. A board,
on which were placed the numbers of the Psalms
to be sung during divine service, was hung in a
conspicuous position, for all the members of the
congregation were expected to take part in the
singing. These curious old Psalm-books had
silver corners and clasps. There were also small
rings on them, through which were cords or

long silver chains, by means of which they were
hung on the backs of the chairs, when chairs were
used instead of pews. Mrs. Vanderbilt describes
the church bell, the succession of ministers who
occupied the pulpit, the schoolmaster and his
duties, and the later and present conditions of
the ancient place of worship. The little work is
handsomely printed, and bound with much taste.

THE GREENVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH
IN LEICESTER, MASSACHUSETTS.
By Rev. Thomas Green, M.D., First Pastor,
1738-1S88. Exercises on the 150th Anniver-
sary of its Formation. 8vo, pp. 126, pamphlet.
Privately printed.

" From the time when history first took up her
pen she has been busy making records of events
and deeds that distant generations may know of
them and that their lessons may not be lost."
This striking passage is from the sermon of Rev.
Dr. Estes, on the anniversary of the founding of
the Baptist Church in Leicester. Samuel S.
Green, A.M., of Worcester, a descendant of the
first pastor, made on the occasion a beautiful and
appropriate address, unveiling and presenting a
handsome memorial tablet, which had been
placed on the wall at the right of the pulpit, in
memory of the Rev. Dr. Green, in the name of
and as the gift of his great-grandson. Hon.
Andrew H. Green of New York city, adding at
the close of his remarks, " We all think more of
a man who, to other qualities, adds affection for
the town in which he was born or lives, and in-
terest in the place which was the home of his
ancestors, and in his ancestors themselves. " Dr.
Estes in his discourse gave a succinct history of
the town, and Hon. Andrew H. Green, Rev.
Leighton Williams of New York. Rev. Samuel
May of Leicester, and others addressed the as-
semblage, contributing much information of
interest in relation to the first pastor and his
descendants. The work as printed embodies all
these addresses, with numerous foot-notes, re-
vealing the fact that much painstaking care has
been exercised in the verification of references,
rendering the publication a valuable contribu-
tion to historic literature.

SOUTHERN HISTORICAL SOCIETY PA-
PERS. Vol. XVII. [See Monument Me-
morial volume. J Edited by R. A. Brock.
8vo, pp. 441. Published by the society.
Richmond, Virginia, 1889.
The able papers presented in this well printed
volume are of great inte\-est and of unspeakable
value to students and scholars. Nearly half its
pages are devoted to Robert E. Lee, whose
public career forms one of the most impressive
chapters in human history.

MAGAZINE OF AMERICAN HISTORY

Vol. XXIV NOVEMBER, 1890 No. 5

DIVINE DRIFT IN HUMAN HISTORY

" AND THE SPIRIT OF GOD MOVED UPON THE FACE OF THE WATERS "

— GENESIS, I. 2

THE waters with all that constituted them such were already present.
The land was already hiddenly spread out. The soil was already
latently gifted with powers of production, and yet, inside of all
those powers, directing them, inspiring them, holding them along the line
of a supreme purpose, was God's spirit power. So that things that were
without beauty, and that knew nothing about beauty themselves, somehow
in course of time came to bud out into forms of beauty ; so that things
which were without reason, and that knew nothing about reason them-
selves, somehow in course of time came to unfold into reasonable and
intelligible shape ; so that things that had no purpose of their own, and
that knew nothing about purpose themselves, somehow in course of time
grew into intentional relation with a great deal that was about them and
beyond them.

This working of God's spirit power inside of the powers properly
belonging to waters, forests, and seas as he made them, shows in this
second verse, and keeps showing all along the line of the Genesis narrative
of creation. The raw stuff that he made behaved with a wisdom that the
stuff itself had no suspicion of. It proceeded wisely, but the wisdom of
its procedure was not its own wisdom. It is so everywhere. It was so
with the flower that blossomed on your window-sill this morning. Every
part of the plant contributed something to that blossom : the roots did
something toward it ; the leaves did something ; the sap did something ;
but none of them knew that they had a hand in the blossom or knew any-
thing about the blossom. Something so of the individual raindrops falling
in the sunshine: Each one glistens and blushes in the sunlight, but the
superb arch of color which each of these little tinted individualities con-
tributes to compose, they each of them knew nothing of and had no pur-
pose of. " The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters " — waters

Vol. XXIV.-No. 5.-22

330 DIVINE DRIFT IN HUMAN HISTORY

of creative week, waters of every week since. Waters lying out flat on
the ground, waters dropping down through sunshine, and coloring the air
red, green, and purple, on their way down.

Almost everything that acts intelligently, acts with an intelligence that
is not all of it its own. Things without brains sometimes behave as wisely,
and more commonly a great deal more wisely, than things that have
brains. Your watch works intelligently, but is not itself intelligent. So
in the department of art. You bring together material for the construc-
tion of a house — wood, brick, and stone. No one of these ingredients can
be termed beautiful, and yet your house when completed may be a thing
of surpassing beauty ; but this beauty will not be a summing up of the
material put into the house, but the spirit of beauty in your own mind,
that worked inspiringly upon and within that material. The sentence you
write may be wise, but, if so, it is wise not with its own intelligence, but
with yours. Building stones, painter's pigment, statuary's marble, alpha-
betic signs, are to be respected in their own character, to be sure, as God
respected the originary stuff of the globe ; but it is by virtue of some
" moving spirit," either man's or God's, that stuff of any sort has to be
taken up and made efficient in the realm of beauty and wisdom, and in
the region of intent and purpose.

Certain birds, when the migratory season comes, fly south. They have
no reason for flying. There is a reason for their flying, but it is not their
reason. Nothing could be more intelligent than their procedure under
those circumstances, but yet they have no intelligence of their own to be
intelligent with. They are wise with a wisdom which is not theirs. We
do not know how this can be, but it can be because it is. We disguise
our own ignorance of the matter by importing a Latin word, and calling it
instinct. Things that we understand we talk about in Saxon ; things that
we do not understand, and make believe we do, we talk about in Latin or
Greek. But that is what we mean by instinct, if we mean anything by it
— intelligence that is not of the animal become operative in the animal
— inspiration prolonged earthwards until it reaches the ground, and figures
in the flutter of a bird's wing or the cunning comb-building of a honey-
bee. You will find the same thing in any bee-hive that you find in this
second verse of Genesis — the material fact with all the native forces
belonging to it, and a spark of supernal quickening alive inside of it.

One of the most graphic illustrations of this is seen in the beautiful
tree-like structure of the coral. The little animals whose skeletons pack
together to compose coral know nothing about the delicate buddings and
blossomings and graceful branchings of the coral shrub. They are as igno-

DIVINE DRIFT IN HUMAN HISTORY 33 1

rant of the part they play, the purposes they subserve, and the results to
which they contribute, as a cube of granite mortared into the wall of a
cathedral. As has been said, " they build more wisely than they know,"
which is exactly what we are trying to say and to illustrate. They work
with a wisdom and a grace that is not theirs. It is somebody's, but not
theirs. Ever since the time when the original material of the universe
was called into being, unreasonable things have been behaving reasonably.
They have acted with a grace, a cunning, and an intention that was no
part of themselves. • To say that it is the nature of a flower to build itself
up in such wise proportion and such delicate figure is not saying much.
To say that it is the instinct of a bee to follow, in the shaping of its cells,
the wisest method of construction that mathematical science could have
selected for it, is not saying much. It explains nothing. It simply states
that the bee, which is not a mathematician, behaves as though he were a
mathematician. He works luminously, in shining that is not his own
shining.

Such matters we can think about a good deal without thinking to the
end of them." They are curious as questions of merely scientific inquiry,
although that is not the reason we talk about them here. Things in this
world are so the offspring of one creative parent, and, like children of one
father, look and behave so much alike, that when you strike upon such a
fact as a bird or an insect carrying itself with more wisdom than it has of
its own, we immediately wonder if this is not a principle that is likely to
be found operating in other creatures besides those that have wings and
make honey-comb. The more we come to know about the universe the
more perfect the understanding which the different and remote parts of the
universe are seen to have with one another; and that not only as relates
to the distant portions of the physical system of things, but also as regards
the i'nter-relation between things physical and things spiritual. Drum-
mond'a fascinating book, Natural Law in the Spiritual World, was wrought
out at the impulse of just that idea. Every physical fact if we could
entirely understand it, we should probably find to be the raw, earthy end
of a moral or a spiritual fact. It was on that account that such common
things as lilies, yeast, and chickens served the Lord such good purpose in
his disclosures of the spiritual world. So that when we find a tree shap-
ing itself cleverly and beautifully, that of itself has no sense or delicate
insight of its own to do the shaping with, or a bird behaving with a
sagacity that its own small brain can give no adequate account of, we are
set wondering if this is any more than a low, small beginning of a very high
and large matter; and whether instinct is not a word that, with a little

33 2 DIVINE DRIFT IN HUMAN HISTORY

coaxing, could be encouraged to serve us also on wider ground and in
higher regions than those to which its orifice work is ordinarily limited.
Let us see.

The interest which the careful reader derives from the study of history
has in it two elements. In the first place, we are so endowed with inquisi-
tiveness and with intelligent sympathies that we enjoy knowing what has
transpired in the world. There is a good deal of heart in most of us ; and
whatever man has done — the discoveries he has made, the conflicts in
which he has engaged, and the amelioration he has achieved for himself or
for others — all of this appeals to us as being to some degree our own
matter. We are somehow personally present in all those of other times
and peoples, near or remote, which have made up a part of the general
life of mankind.

That is one element of our interest in historic study, but there is a
second element which more immediately concerns us here. As we get into
the matter more deeply, we discover not only a great many interesting
events, that are such because of what the events themselves denote,
but events that appear to have an understanding with other events that
may have transpired a long time or a vast distance away, that (so we
imagine) are sometimes caught in the act of squinting at each other across
the spaces, like mountains far removed, that nevertheless, in the early
morning, wink and blink at each other before the sunshine has yet crept
down into the valleys and seas that lie between — events such that they
appear to mean something when taken together that neither of them is
able to give you any inkling of when taken alone. Just as when you see
the letter "s " written on a bit of paper, you can look at it without its
meaning anything in particular to you. Farther on you see the letter
" u " ; well, that is not going to mean anything either. Still farther on your
eye tumbles down on to the letter" n " ; neither does " n " mean anything.
But quite possibly your eye slides back over the three so rapidly that they
all become visible at a single glance and you have s — u — n. That means
something. The three seen together spell out a fact. Clearly somebody's
intelligence has been at work in the writing and arranging of those letters —
intelligence that was not in the letters. In looking at them you encounter
mind — somebody's mind. Somebody's mind has. been there. There is an
intelligence in the three letters combined that was not in each of the three
viewed apart.

So there are historic events that, as we enter more deeply into their
study, impress us in very much the same way. Each taken by itself may
not denote much, may not indeed denote anything in particular; but if we

DIVINE DRIFT IN HUMAN HISTORY 333

chance to get them so placed (as we did the three letters) that they can be
seen together, they will spell out something to us, and we shall know that
there has been an intelligence at work there, and that taken together they
mean a great deal more than the respective actors in each of the separate
events had any suspicion of, exactly as a coral branch is beautiful with a
beauty of which no one of the little polyps that composed it ever suspected
or could have suspected.

For instance, we have all been interested in the life and conquests of
Alexander the Great, who subjected the East to Macedonian power and
diffused throughout the nations a knowledge of Greek and of the Greek
language. We are also interested in the fact that, when Christ came, there
was prevalent throughout the civilized world a language sufficiently plas-
tic— the Greek — to serve for the expression of divine truths ; sufficiently
delicate to articulate the subtle inflections of divine thought. Now those
two events, the conquest of Alexander and the coming into the world of
divine truth, that needed to be written down, were three hundred years
apart. Alexander knew nothing about the evangelists, and the evange-
lists probably never had heard much about Alexander. But I do not think
we can read those three hundred years of history, with a tender sensitive-
ness to their suggestions, without feeling that what Alexander did was a
part, an intentional part (I am not saying now whose intention), of the
great scheme which embraced among other the coming of a written gospel.
Alexander had no sense of that scheme — no more than the letter " s " has
a sense of the word u sun '•' that it helps to spell ; no more than the flutter-
ing wing of the migratory bird has a sense of the warm clime toward which
it is moving ; no more than the polyp has a sense of the beautiful coral
branch that will be complete a thousand years hence and contain its own
little body as a part of the delicate structure.

That is the consummating glory of history, that it spells out thoughts
and purposes that are hundreds and thousands of years long — purposes
that are so much more far-reaching and truths that are so much wider
than the microscopic minds and the little polyp-purposes of the men who
come and go with the fleeting years, that we know that the best meaning
even of men's own lives was one that was hidden from themselves; that
the final explanation of the deeds they performed and the aims they pur-
sued lay not in the events of their own day, but in the relations in which
those events were knit with what was to transpire beyond their own
horizon; that they were hardly more than unconscious letters of the
alphabet, helping to spell out words and paragraphs whose meaning as yet
existed only in the Supreme Intelligence, by whom the processes of history

334 DIVINE DRIFT IN HUMAN HISTORY

are conceived — the moving Spirit of God, by whom the progress of history
is ordained and achieved ; that men, even at their best, are wise with a wis-
dom that is not theirs ; that historic actors, even the most distinguished
and productive, have ingeniously contributed to results of which they have
never dreamed ; that whatever may have been the intelligence of Moses,
Alexander, Caesar, Paul, Augustine, Hildebrand, Erasmus, Napoleon,
relatively speaking they were all but as polyps helping to fashion a coral
branch, whose beauty or even existence they had no power to suspect ;
that they were wise in part with a wisdom that was not theirs; and that, in
that sense of the term, which is the only just sense I know, instinct played
in their lives and workings as determinative a part as in the bird's migra-
tion to more suitable climes, or the bee's architecture of the honey-comb.

Now that is a great thought, and it is solid with comfort and with
quickening. It lets us see the Supreme Intelligence shaping the outcomes
of history. It lets us feel the prevalence in the world of certain tides of
event and certain currents of thought that exist entirely independently of
the men and women who think their small opinions and do their small
deeds in the world, without perceiving how their deeds and opinions are
drawn into a divine drift as old, as infallible, and as divine as the Spirit
of God that moved upon the face of the waters before the dawn of the
first morning.

There is something in this matter of drift that is wonderfully impres-
sive. One seems to feel in it the presence of a mind and purpose that
lifts events off from the level of commonplace, and to ennoble them with a
dignity and suffuse them with a splendor such as Moses discerned among
the flaming branches of the shrub at Horeb. Drift implies the presence
and energy of a power that is distinct from and transcends the multitu-
dinous individuals that are carried by the traction of that drift. At a
certain season of the year we know that the icebergs drift southerly
toward regions equatorial. It never occurs to us to imagine that the
bergs gathered in crystalline convention among the polar seas, and voted
in congressional action to migrate toward a more southerly zone. It is
not their co-operant motion that creates the southerly drift; it is the
southerly drift — a part of the arterial life of the throbbing body of the
sea — that creates their co-operant motion. It underlies all those moun-
tainous glittering individualities, and bears them in strong purpose upon
its own bosom ; and what looks to be the motion of the berg is most
of it the motion of the sea become a demonstrative and prismatic effect
hundreds of feet above the ocean's wave.

There is a vast deal in all this matter of drift — drift of event, drift of

DIVINE DRIFT IN HUMAN HISTORY 335

idea. If we could have materialized before our eye the divinely personal
currents that are shaping the direction of event, of opinion, of philosophy ^
of theology, we would see, I believe, that the currents which play in the
depths of the sea, that pulsate among the higher and lower strata of the
air, and that even throb among the stars, drawing them along in congre-
gated splendor, not each star for itself, but millions of them floating along
together in the drift of a single cosmic tide — I say if we could see and
feel all these things as they are, we would discover that, with all of liberty,
yea, even of license, that attaches to the human individual in his thinking
and his acting, there are divine impulses of constraint and inspiration that
work with as much exactness of intelligence and with as much imperialism
of impulse as the energies of the same God operate among the slippery
water-drops of the sea or marshal in orderly phalanx the radiant hosts of
the stars.

In this is the fascination of history, and in this is the fascination of
helping in however small a way to make history. There is nothing to
hinder our word or our work being a thousand times wiser than we are.
If a pitiable little zoophyte can build infinitely better than he knows, you
can. Instinct is the most unerring wisdom of which we know ; and when
there is so much said in the Bible about God's working within us to will
and to do of his good pleasure and the like, it is a mournful pity for us to
suppose that a monopoly of instinct has been vouchsafed to beasts, birds
of passage, and insects. Instinct is the ability to do better than we know.
It is being wise with God's wisdom. It is a talent for hitting a target in
the dark, because some one with eyes that can see in the dark takes
charge of the arrow after it leaves our bow. If you had rather call it
inspiration than instinct, we shall not quarrel about words. The ant is a
wiser economist than he knows. St. Paul writes a wiser gospel than he
knows. Somewhere between St. Paul and the ant we come, dropping into
the draft of invisible drifts ; walking in divine light which, without filling
our own eye, shapes our thought and determines our act ; moving, if we
will, with infallible step toward an invisible goal a million years away.
The art of successful living consists not in making our own way, but in
being true men and true women, and then surrendering ourselves to what-
ever drift of act, purpose, or opinion comes our way, absolutely assured
that it is the pull of the Almighty.

A little brook comes dropping down into the river from off the hillside.
Tremblingly it merges its waters in those of the river. " Whither am I
going?" asks the brook. To the sea. "Yes, but that is a thousand
miles away, and I am but a tiny bit of mountain-spring. The way is long;

33^

DIVINE DRIFT IN HUMAN HISTORY

how can I know it ? And winding; how can I be sure of it? And it runs
in the dark, as well as in the light ; how can I see it ? " Poor little brook !
No, blessed little brook! Be true to yourself, sparkling little creature
from the mountain-side : push into mid-channel, and the slip of the current,
which is the hand of God, will itself bear you unerringly through straight
ways and through winding ways, through day and through night, till you
mingle safely at last in the deeps of the great sea ; for the Spirit of God
still broods upon the face of the waters.

AMERICAN OUTGROWTHS OF CONTINENTAL EUROPE

BETWEEN THE LINES AND COVERS

There is nothing sensational in the history of maritime discovery, in
accounts of the limited geographical knowledge of the ancients, in pre-
Columbian explorations, or in the lavish liberality with which old world
potentates gave away real estate that was not theirs to give in the newly-
discovered lands beyond the seas. But there are many wonderful and
picturesque features involved in this class of information, and the careful
reader quickly becomes interested, and then an incurable enthusiast.
Scholarship is deplorably incomplete which does not embrace general cul-
ture in the things of the past. There are, however, comparatively few people
of intelligence in the present age who are inclined to subsist altogether
on the inventions of fiction evolved from individual inner consciousness.
Something more substantial is desired. Facts attractively clothed, are
well known to possess a charm unrivalled in imagination's popular domain.
" Give me, oh, give me a true story ! " cries the child. The " what has
been " is irresistibly magnetic, awakening new ideas, and capturing the
student, however docile it may appear in the midst of modern fancies and
activities. It inspires natural curiosity, such as impels the young pupil in
school to interrupt the whole machinery of instruction to ask what the
men and women were like who once thought the earth was a flat surface
stretching from the ^Egean sea, the focus of ancient knowledge, into a
dim horizon of complete nothingness? Then follows the question : " To
whom belongs the honor of first propounding the theory of the spherical
form of the earth ? "

Teachers who are unprepared to wrestle with such conundrums com-
plain that the way to historic lore is difficult, and even when accessible the
pursuit absorbs more time than the self-supporting worker can afford.
Writers also, of every grade, excuse themselves from painstaking historical
research on similar grounds, reasonably, perhaps, according to their out-
look, and from year to year and decade to decade go on repeating one
another's errors and furnishing misinformation greatly in excess of the
popular demand. It was in recognition of an imperative want in these
directions, and for the help of all whose craving for extended knowledge is
out of proportion to their opportunities, that the Narrative and Critical

338 AMERICAN OUTGROWTHS OF CONTINENTAL EUROPE

History of America was projected a few years since by Dr. Justin Winsor,
the learned librarian of Harvard University, and recently completed in
eight monumental volumes, which might be aptly described as a collection
of valuable monographs by distinguished specialists, only that it is much
more. Accompanying every descriptive paper or monograph is a critical
essay, with notes, on the varied sources of information, so that the reader
comes directly into connection with the best results of four centuries of
historic study, writing, discussion, and book-making. No one man could
have collected the data and produced such a work as this of Dr. Winsor's
within the limits of a lifetime ; but commanding the fullest resources of
historic science in a librarian's environment and the combined talent of a
corps of thirty-nine historic writers of well-known erudition, chosen with
reference to special fitness for the particular subjects treated, he has pro-
vided for the world a labor-saving compendium of priceless value. He
does not recommend the cooperative method for the general Writing of
history; he says emphatically: " There is no substitute for the individual-
ity of the historian." At the same time, in the elucidation of the broader
aspects of themes of great magnitude, nothing could have been better than
the plan adopted. The collation of authorities grouping the original
material which has come to light, is one of the most useful features of the
important work, enabling the reader to form independent judgment ; for
when the author's opinions differ from his own he can turn to the exact
sources upon which such views were founded, and verify, amend, and
deduce his own conclusions.

Whatever concerns the early voyages through which our country was first
brought into public notice has the place of honor in these volumes. The
great army of current writers who, in view of the approaching celebration
of the discoveries of Columbus, are looking up material for countless news-
paper and magazine articles, will in turning these pages find a polite and
patient guide to the fruitful field. The second volume of the series is
largely devoted to the great navigator's life, character, adventures, disap-
pointments, and explorations, with a flood of pertinent illustrations — early
maps, quaint charts, devices for representing the earth on a plane, specimens
of the handwriting of Columbus, the house where he died, ancient methods
of ascertaining latitude and longitude, and not less than ten of the various
portraits of the discoverer of America. The same volume contains an ably
prepared and fully illustrated chapter on Amerigo Vespucci, pointing out
the exact basis (as far as known to scholars) of his claim to the honor of
having his name attached to this continent. This is supplemented by an
important discussion of " The naming of America," with an almost com-

AMERICAN OUTGROWTHS OF CONTINENTAL EUROPE

339

plete bibliography of what has ever been written on that subject during
four centuries. " The Companions of Columbus," by Dr. Channing, and
the " Early Cartography of the Gulf of Mexico," by Dr. Winsor, follow
as naturally as the rainbow after a summer shower. On every leaf the
authorities are conveniently massed for the help of those who are con-
scientiously seeking the truth.

The early and later arctic explorations, with their terrible sacrifices of
life and money, are treated at length in the third and eighth volumes,
and contain many thrilling pages. It seems but a step to them over the

THROUGH THE ICE, 1600.

centuries since the men of Sidon and Tyre looked covetously seaward from
their narrow domain, " while the civilization of Egypt, as self-centred as
that of China, accepted only the commerce that was brought to its gates."
It is fascinating to watch the Phoenician ships as they tried the perilous
waters of the Mediterranean, and in course of time reached the Atlantic;
then to follow the Carthagenians, in the uncertain light, as they discovered
and colonized the Canary Islands and other well-known groups. Mr.
Tillinghast says: "As we trace the increasing volume and extent of
commerce from the days of Tyre and Carthage and Alexandria to its
fullest development under the empire, and remember that as the drafts
of luxury-loving Rome upon the products of the east, even of China and
farther India, increased, the true knowledge of the form of the earth and
the under-estimate of the breadth of the western ocean, became more

340 AMERICAN OUTGROWTHS OF CONTINENTAL EUROPE

widely known, the question inevitably suggests itself, Why did not the
enterprise which had long since utilized the monsoons of the Indian ocean
for direct passage to and from India essay the passage of the Atlantic?
The inquiry gains force as we recall that the possibility of such a route to
India had been asserted. Aristotle suggested, if he did not express it ;
Eratosthenes stated plainly that were it not for the extent of the Atlantic
it would be possible to sail from Spain to India along the same parallel ;
and Strabo could object nothing but the chance of there being another
island-continent or two in the way — an objection unknown to Columbus.
. . . No evidence from the classic writers justifies the assumption that
the ancients communicated with America. If they guessed at the possi-
bility of such a continent, it was only as we to-day imagine an antarctic
continent or an open polar sea." *

It was many decades after the voyages of Columbus before it was
known in Europe whether America was an island, an archipelago, or a
continent. The ambitious merchants and navigators scoured the oceans in
every latitude, from the arctic regions to Cape Horn, searching for a gate-
way through it to the jeweled cities of the east. The sovereigns of the
old world, meanwhile, were swift to claim shares in the mythical property,
and made princely presents of territory to favorite subjects, in absolute
ignorance of the quality and value of their gifts. Dr. George E. Ellis
writes: " Under the latest advances of astronomical science, spaces in the
moon might now be almost as definitely assigned to claimants for them
as were the regions of this new world." In almost every instance the
gifts of one monarch overlapped or conflicted with the gift of some other.
Charles II. of England was one of the most generous of these European
donors. He gave to his brother, afterward James II., the rich country
from Pemaquid to the St. Croix, and from the west side of the Connecticut
river to the east side of Delaware bay. To William Penn he gave a
province in discharge of a crown debt due to his father ; and in 1670, " by
his own especial grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion, without
advice or confirmation by council or parliament," he presented his cousin
Prince Rupert, and a few associates, with the icy region of magnificent pro-
portions in North America, sloping inwards toward Hudson's bay, which
has ever since been known as " Prince Rupert's Land." The western

* Through the courtesy of the publishers, Houghton, Mifflin & Company, we are permitted to
give our readers a glimpse of some of the characteristic illustrations in the Narrative and Critical
History of America, edited by Justin Winsor, LL.D. "Towing through the ice in 1600" is one
of these, also the " Map of the Hudson Bay and vicinity in 1748," Ellis's Map, vol. viii. , page 27,
and the portraits of Prince Rupert, Sir George Simpson, and Santa Anna. The other pictures are
from rare prints in possession of this Magazine.

AMERICAN OUTGROWTHS OF CONTINENTAL EUROPE

341

^KKOC

MAP OF HUDSON BAY AND VICINITY IN 1748.

boundary of this territory is from Deer lake to a point a little to the west of
the Red river settlement. Its mountains are chiefly along the boundaries
and consist of primitive rock. The soil is rich, but on account of the sever-

342 AMERICAN OUTGROWTHS OF CONTINENTAL EUROPE

ity of the climate, agriculture is almost entirely confined to the immediate
neighborhood of the trading posts. The chief dependence of the inhab-
itants for food and clothing is on the animal kingdom. The royal charter ren-
dered the members of this Hudson Bay Company absolute proprietors and
lords. Prince Rupert was the first governor, and a general court was to
be held in November of each year to choose officers. The company was
empowered to make laws and ordinances, and to impose penalties and pun-
ishments. No English subject was to visit, frequent, or haunt, or adven-
ture, or trade in the territory without leave in writing under the great seal
of the company, under penalty of forfeiture of goods, of punishment, and
of being seized and sent to England. Nor could the king grant any such
privilege without permission of the company.

Prince Rupert was the son of Elector-Palatine Frederick V. and Eliza-
beth, daughter of James I., of England, and at this date was fifty-one years
of age. He had been an officer in the doomed army of the unfortunate
Charles L, where he distinguished himself by resolute daring and much
too frequent lack of caution. The army consisted chiefly of men of gentle
blood, whose chiefs are better known to the world of to-day than the ma-
jority of the worthies in the peerage books or present army lists. The gay
temper of the cavalier, the courtier's wit, the soldier's jest, gave a cheerful
air to those plumed and glittering groups. In 1673 Prince Rupert was com-
missioned to meet and escort Queen Henrietta Maria, who having spent a
year in Holland, conciliating the Dutch government with admirable tact,
had returned to her own hostile realm with a considerable addition to its
military forces, and it is said that Rupert met her at Stratfard-on-Avon,
in the very house once owned and occupied by Shakespeare. This house
was called "New Place," and Mrs. Nash, the poet's great-grand-daughter,
and her husband were living there at the time.

An anecdote is related by Warburton, connected with the crossing of
the channel by Henrietta Maria on her return from Holland. She was
escorted by the gallant Van Tromp, who also conveyed for her twelve
transports laden with military stores. A violent storm was encountered
on the passage, and every one, even to the experienced sailor, was seriously
alarmed. The queen, perfectly calm in the midst of the panic, comforted
her frightened ladies by assuring them that queens of England were never
drowned. She was greatly amused at the same time by the confessions of
her officers, who shouted aloud their most secret sins into the preoccupied
ears of the seasick priests, proclaiming more gossip in a few moments of
despair than would naturally have come to her knowledge in a life-time.

Among the cavaliers who hastened to pay homage to the queen when

AMERICAN OUTGROWTHS OF CONTINENTAL EUROPE

343

she landed on this occasion was the gallant Marquis of Montrose, James
Grahame, just arrived from Scotland, the stirring incidents of whose
romantic career would fill a volume. He was at the time thirty-one years
of age, classically educated, and a man who had exhibited in his early life
a genuine predilection for literature. He was married at seventeen to

6LFr&mz

PRINCE RUPERT.

Magdalene Carnegie, daughter of Lord Carnegie of Kinnaird, and for a
time lived quietly at Kinnaird Castle. On attaining his majority he left
Scotland and traveled on the continent, visiting the academies of France
and Italy, and perfecting himself in all the accomplishments becoming a
gentleman and a soldier.

The bravery of Henrietta Maria was much praised by the faithful, but
that of Lady Arundel of Wardour castle, the daughter of the fourth earl
of Worcester, was of a higher type. It was during the same year, on the
2d of May, while Lord Arundel was absent with the cavaliers at Oxford,

344

AMERICAN OUTGROWTHS OF CONTINENTAL EUROPE

that Sir Edward Hungerford presented himself before Wardour Castle,
demanding admittance to search for malignants, and upon being denied,
summoned a body of thirteen hundred troops to assist him in entering by-
force. With this army drawn up in line he ordered the surrender of the
castle, and received the heroic reply: " Lady Arundel has had a command
from her lord to keep it, which order she will obey." Cannons were then

'Vandy'ke': fiinx

JWCook

JAMES GRAHAME, MARQUIS OF MONTROSE.

brought into range, and firing upon the castle continued for six days and
nights. The lady had only fifty servants, less than half of whom were
fighting men, but the women were equally efficient, supplying the ammu-
nition to the improvised soldiery, and valiantly extinguishing the fiery
missiles thrown over the walls. Their powers of resistance were finally
exhausted, and no relief appearing, a parley was offered, and the castle sur-
rendered on capitulation. The terms, however, were ignored as soon as the

AMERICAN OUTGROWTHS OF CONTINENTAL EUROPE 345

keys were given up, except so far as the lives of the besieged were* con-
cerned. The castle was plundered, rare pictures destroyed, and property
sacrificed to the value of half a million dollars.

Prince Rupert was one of the few, engaged in the great struggle,
who survived the Cromwell period. After many vicissitudes he reached
France and joined his royal cousins in their exile. At the restoration he

BLANCHE, BARONESS ARUNDEL OF WARDOUR.

was at once invested with various offices and dignities, became a privy
councilor, a member of the admiralty, governor of Windsor castle, etc.
He was something of a scholar, and a most earnest and generous patron
of all promising adventures. He had been more or less concerned in the
discovery of a new passage into the South sea prior to the mercantile
operations of this new Hudson Bay Company, which, once established,
extended over a period of two hundred years. " One might naturally
pause," writes Dr. Ellis, "upon the almost grotesque disparity of pro-

Vol. XXIV.— No. 5.-23

346 AMERICAN OUTGROWTHS OF CONTINENTAL EUROPE

portions between the vast spaces of territory over which the privileges of
the company extended and the smallness of its own representation. But
another and a more striking suggestion presents itself ; the territory
which finally came under the jurisdiction of the company embraced sub-
stantially half of the continent of North America.

This included the whole unknown region of the northwest ; and when
in 1848 the company secured a right to plant a colony in Vancouver's
Island, its privileges and range extended over a space of territory one-
third larger than the whole area of Europe, embracing more than four
million of square miles, and hiding in its unknown depths as afterwards
revealed, fifty wild tribes of men, who were substantially made over for
mastery with the territory, because the company always stoutly main-
tained that the Indians should trade only with its agents. . . . The
whole territory, whatever its length or breadth, had but one worth or use
for the small mercantile company, whose office then, as now, was in Fen-
church Street, London. It was simply as a preserve for fur-bearing ani-
mals, and for Indians who might hunt and trap them. Marvelously well

adapted was. the region for that purpose Looking over the maps

the observer will be impressed with its facilities for transit, intercourse,
and commerce. The highways which nature had opened in the wilder-
ness, in the diversified and abounding water-courses, made a perfect re-
ticulation of artery and vein over the whole territory, and there were
junctions and branches for divergence in every direction. The course
from the sea by the St. Lawrence to Lake Superior offered an alternative
of routes either by the Ottawa with its cascades, or by the chain of lakes
with its cataract at Niagara and the Falls of .St. Mary between Superior
and Huron. The Hudson Bay Company found by experience that,
though it kept firmer hold on its charter, it worked to great disadvantage
in conducting its business from the icy coast."

In the first year of the charter the company sent out a resident agent
to build a factory at Rupert's river, and before 1685 there were five posts
established. One vessel a year from England served to conduct the
business, and the mariners easily learned to know their way to the inhos-
pitable place, but were always glad to leave it. Later on, when the com-
pany had procured a government license for exclusive trade over all the
territory whose waters drained into the Arctic ocean and the Pacific, as
well as Hudson's bay, the administration of affairs became a task for the
highest executive ability. Sir George Simpson was the first governor of
Rupert's Land who represented the company in America in its whole
domain and in all its business. He held the office from 1821 to i860, nearly

AMERICAN OUTGROWTHS OF CONTINENTAL EUROPE

347

forty years, covering some of the most agitating controversies of the
company, and absorbed all the offices and responsibilities which had
heretofore been distributed among petty heads at the various posts.

A more fruitful or a more engaging theme could not well have been
set apart for the practiced pen of the eminent Dr. Ellis, whose exhaustive

chapter brings the history of this famous company, with all its vicissitudes
and changes, nearly to the present time. He tells us in his critical essay,
following, that " The large body of narrative, descriptive, and controversial
literature upon which the story is based may be divided into two classes —
the one, embracing the publications issued by the British government,
containing the processes and results of official inquiries into the affairs

348 AMERICAN OUTGROWTHS OF CONTINENTAL EUROPE

A WAR CANOE OF NEW ZEALAND

and the administration of the Hudson Bay Company ; the other, of a de-
scriptive and narrative character, presenting the practical operations of
the company as administered by its officers and servants. But the prin-
cipal interest of this class of authorities is that which we look for in
works of romantic adventure, scenes in wild life, events of exploration
and residence, and the occupations and resources of men .encountering
perils in lonely travel in the hunting and trapping expeditions, and the
contact and intercommunion of savagery with civilization."

Arctic explorations were for a time carried on overland by the Hudson's
Bay Company, but between 1 746 and 1779 a number of vessels were sent
at different dates into the frozen zone. The Resolution, in command of the
famous navigator Captain Cook, was dispatched by the English govern-
ment in 1776 to reverse the route hitherto followed, and try to pass from
the Pacific into the Atlantic by a northern sea. Captain Cook's first voy-
age had created great excitement, and furnished the most interesting
account of adventure and discovery that had then ever been placed before
English readers. His examination of New Zealand occupied six months,
and the results added largely to the sum of geographical knowledge. The
unique New Zealand canoe, which often measured seventy feet in length,
six in width, and four in depth, surprised him, as each side was formed of
one entire plank, some twelve inches broad, and almost an inch and a half

AMERICAN OUTGROWTHS OF CONTINENTAL EUROPE

349

CAPTAIN JAMES COOK,

thick, fitted to the bottom part with great strength and ingenuity. It was
rowed with a paddle about six feet long, by two men sitting in the stern.

Captain Cook was a slight, thin man, over six feet in height, with small
head, hair thrown back from a broad forehead, and tied behind in the
fashion of the time, his nose long and straight, cheek-bones high, eyes bright
and piercing, and mouth firmly closed. He was vigorous, energetic, robust;
a man who knew no hardship, who desired no better fare than he served
out to his men, and who looked on rough weather as an every-day affair.

350 AMERICAN OUTGROWTHS OF CONTINENTAL EUROPE

The scope of Dr. Winsor's masterly work covers the entire continent of
America, including Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, and the
West Indies, as well as the United States, beginning with pre-historic
times and ending at about the middle of the present century, and reflects
the highest honor upon Harvard University and its accomplished and
enthusiastic librarian. Among the numerous monographs contributed to
the work by Dr. Winsor is " Spanish North America," brightened with
some sixty illustrations, including fac-similes of the earliest maps and
pictures, and many interesting portraits. This paper in the eighth volume
is a condensed history of the progress of that part of America from about
1550 to the middle of the nineteenth century. He says: "It was in 1568
that the viceroys of New Spain began to find that how to meet the mari-
time rapine from the European enemies of Spain was a problem not the
least difficult of those which confronted them. In September of that
year John Hawkins, with nine ships, captured the castle of San Juan de
Ulua, and then had wit enough to escape fairly well from the toils of
treachery in which he was soon involved. A few years later (1572) Drake
plundered here and there along the gulf coast, in 1578 he appeared on
the Pacific coast, and in 1586 he burned Saint Augustine in Florida;
while both the French and English marauders of the sea gave the shore
people little quiet for the rest of the century. Floods, the fearful scourge
of disease, and the introduction of the Inquisition added other horrors to
the time. Archbishop Montrifar had regularly established in Mexico the
scrutiny of the Inquisition in 1 5 7 1 , the year before he died, when he was
succeeded by Bishop Landa of Yucatan, who had used his terrors against
the heathen of Yucatan as early as 1562, and was now in 1574 to insti-
tute the earliest auto da fe in Mexico. It was not long before the
marauding fleets of rival nations endangered the free passage of the rich
trading ships that plied between Acapulco and Manilla, and the treasure
vessels that bore revenue from the gulf ports to Spain. In 1581 it had
become necessary to give these carriers of bullion a convoy."

The entire period treated in this monograph is characterized by excite-
ments, tribulations, tumults, revolts, and the ups and downs of civil wars.
The last great struggle of Spain to maintain her colonial possession came
to an inglorious end when General Barradas, with an army of three
thousand men, was defeated in 1829 by the renowned Santa Anna. But
domestic repose for Mexico was by no means secured. The uncertain
federal system was overturned in 1836, and Santa Anna soon after entered
the city of Mexico in triumph and assumed a provisional presidency. His
career is well known and understood by readers of the present generation;

AMERICAN OUTGROWTHS OF CONTINENTAL EUROPE

351

his attempt to bring Texas into the line of dependence, and his defeat and
capture by General Houston is a household story throughout the land.

There is manifest sympathy between the graphic illustrations of this
remarkable work and the magnitude of the field and progress of events

>-•-

ANTONIO LOPEZ DE SANTA ANNA.

through the centuries, as presented by its contributors. The geographical
conditions supposed to exist by America's discoverers are now intensely
interesting. The maps and pictures teach us many lessons worth knowing
— all of which are copies from historic originals. There is a charm in turn-
ing pages which apparently have the gift of doing their own talking, reading
to us, so to speak, instead of exacting the courtesy and labor of being read.

A CHARACTERISTIC ORDER OF GENERAL SCOTT

HIS REMEDY FOR INTEMPERANCE

The Aldrich Collection, in the Iowa State Library, has lately come
into possession of the Order Book of General Henry Dodge, a leading
hero in the Blackhavvk war. It is a folio volume of about four hundred
pages of unruled paper, half filled, in the hand-writing of General Dodge,
with orders from superiors, his own orders to subordinates, and the official
letters which he wrote between 1832 to 1836. Aside from this volume
very little of the writing of General Dodge has come to light in these
later years, when it has been much sought. He was the first governor of
Wisconsin territory when the present state of Iowa was included within
its borders, and one of her first United States senators after Wisconsin
was admitted to the Union.

One of the early orders recorded in this very precious volume was
issued by General Winfield Scott while in command at Rock Island. It
reads as follows :

Asst. Adjt. Gen'l's Office, Fort Armstrong.
August 28th, 1832.
Order No. 16.

1. The cholera has made its appearance on Rock Island. The two
first cases were brought by mistake from Captain Ford's1 company of
United States mounted rangers ; one of these died yesterday, the other
is convalescent. A second death occurred this morning in the hospital in
Fort Armstrong. The man was of the 4th Infantry, and had been some
time there under treatment for debility. The ranger now convalescent
was in the same hospital with him for sixteen hours before a cholera hos-
pital could be established outside the camp, and fort. 2. It is believed
that all these men were of intemperate habits. The ranger who is dead,
it is known, generated the disease within him, by a fit of intoxication.
3. This disease having appeared among the rangers and on this island, all
in commission are called upon to exert themselves to the utmost to stop
the spread of the calamity. 4. Sobriety, cleanliness of person, cleanliness
of camp and quarters, together with care in the preparation of the men's
messes, are the grand preventatives. No neglect under these important
heads will be overlooked or tolerated. 5. In addition to the foregoing

A CHARACTERISTIC ORDER OF GENERAL SCOTT 353

the senior surgeon present recommends the use of flannel shirts, flannel
drawers, and woolen stockings; but the commanding general, who has
seen much of disease, knows that it is intemperance, which, in the present
state of the atmosphere, generates and spreads the calamity, and that
when once spread good and temperate men are likely to take the infec-
tion. 6. He therefore peremptorily commands that every soldier or
ranger Who shall be found drunk or sensibly intoxicated after the pub-
lication of this order be compelled, as soon as his strength will permit, to
dig a grave at a suitable burying-place, large enough for his own recep-
tion, as such grave cannot fail soon to be wanted for the drunken man
himself, or some drunken companion. 7. This order is given, as well to
serve for the punishment of drunkenitess, as to spare good and temperate
men the labor of digging graves for their worthless companions. 8. The
sanitary regulations now in force respecting communications between the
camp near the mouth of Rock river and other camps and posts in the neigh-
borhood are revoked. Col. Eustis, however, whose troops are perfectly
free from cholera, will report to the commanding general whether he
believes it for the safety of his command that these regulations should be
renewed.

By order of Major-General Scott.
P. H. Galt,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

{Contributed by)
Webster City, Iowa.

THE PURITAN BIRTHRIGHT

The Puritans of the seventeenth century were the most earnest and
intelligently devout people the world had then or has since known. Their
study of the Mosaic law was more profound and obedience to the inspira-
tion from Mount Sinai more literal than that of the Israelites themselves.
One of the most graphic pictures in the account of the patriarchs is the
story of the sale of Esau's birthright to his younger brother Jacob. The
Puritan first born also had a birthright, but, unlike the son of Isaac, he
clung to it tenaciously.

The Puritans took the Bible for their law and their gospel, but they
had in them all the Saxon's love for land and the Norman's passion for
mastership. They rejected the feudal custom which the Norman conquest
of England brought into vogue, whereby the first-born male of a family
inherited lands under what we know as primogeniture. But they did not
go back to the old Saxon Gavelkind which prevailed before the Conquest,
under which all children shared alike. They made a compromise. They
provided for all their children, but strove to maintain headship in the
family — to keep the fire burning upon the family altar by a curious con-
trivance. They adopted a scheme of property succession which seemed
to have something of the Saxon, all children sharing alike, and something
of the Norman feudal, which gave all to the eldest son. The Puritans fol-
lowed neither one nor the other. Upon the plains of Judea, among that
peculiar people in whose behalf the Deity was believed to have special
interest, they found their exemplar. In the plan of Moses the tribal or
clan relation was paramount. The family and not the individual was the
unit. Hence, while each child had his portion, as is shown in the parable
of the Prodigal Son, yet the eldest son had his birthright. In the same
parable, when the elder son murmured at the rejoicings over the return of
the Prodigal, the father wisely replied, " Son, thou art ever with me, and
all I have is thine." So the Puritans gave the eldest son a birthright, that
is, a double portion. Like the children of Israel, the English Puritans in
their exodus took with them' to Massachusetts Bay wives and children,
flocks and herds. Heedless of the clash of arms in the mother country,
they went to work to formulate laws for the new world, in which work
their successors have been fruitful even to this day. The laws, just one
hundred in number, bear in their margin, in many cases, reference to

THE PURITAN BIRTHRIGHT 355

Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, upon which they were based.
They are entitled The Body of Liberties of 1641.

By the eighty-first paragraph of the Body of Liberties of 1641, it was
provided that "when parents dye intestate, the Elder sonne shall have a
doble portion of his whole estate, reall and personall, unlesse the Generall
Court upon just reason shall Judge otherwise." The Code of 1660 re-en-
acted this provision in somewhat modernized spelling : " Provided, the
eldest sonn shall have a Double Portion, and where there are no sonns,
the daughters shall inherit as Copartners, unless the Court upon just
Cause alledged, shall otherwise Determine."

Under the provincial charter of William and Mary, the general court
by an act passed November 1, 1692, entitled " An act for the settling and
distribution of the estates of intestates," re-affirms this principle in these
words: ... * "the estate of all to be equal, except the eldest son
then surviving (where there is no issue of the first born or of any other
elder son), who shall have two shares, or a double portion of the whole :
and where there are no sons, the daughters shall inherit as copartners."
. . . How like the last clause is the command of Israel's inspired
lawgiver upon the same subject (Numbers, xxvii. 8): "And thou shalt
speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a man die and have no son
then ye shall cause his inheritance to pass unto his daughter."* The
preamble to chapter 14 of the Province Laws, 1692-93, reveals something
of the hardships of pioneer life and tender solicitude for the welfare of
children : " Whereas, estates in these plantations do consist chiefly of lands
which have been subdued and brought to improvement by the industry
and labour of the proprietors, with the assistance of their children, the
younger children generally having been longest and most serviceable unto
their parents in that behalf, who have not personal estates to give out unto
them in portions, or otherwise to recompense their labour."

The eldest son's family did not lose his double portion or birthright,
even if he died before his father. His issue inherited his share, but in the
event of the estate being incapable of division, as was often the case, the
next eldest son took the homestead, paying to the other heirs such an
amount in cash, " corn, or cattle " as a committee of neighbors, " three
sufficient householders," should determine to be equitable. The principle
seems to have been to keep the homestead in the possession of the oldest
living male of the family name, he being presumably the best able to main-
tain the family standing and traditions.

Not even the American revolution, when the glittering French catch-
words, <4 liberty, equality, and fraternity," were so popular, sufficed to effect

356 THE PURITAN BIRTHRIGHT

a change immediately. After the war with England was over, and three
years after the adoption of the state constitution, the legislature of Massa-
chusetts enacted by statute of 1783, chapter 36, paragraph 1, u that land
should descend equally among children, and such as legally represent
them, except that the eldest son should have two shares." So that the
Puritan birthright was re-enacted by the commonwealth of Massachusetts.
This exception was abrogated by statute of 1789, chapter 2, which went
into operation on the first of January, 1790 ; and from and after that time
all children took in equal shares without regard to sex or primogeniture.

In the vacation months of each year numerous family reunions take
place throughout New England. They are occasions of much enjoyment.
People from far and near flock to the old homestead, and they talk gene-
alogy, even as the Israelites did of old. It is rank heresy to so much as
question the declaration that all men are born free and equal, but God's
chosen people of the Scriptures and our Puritan ancestors did not believe
in it at all. May we not ask if, in spite of all the vast benefits that have
come to our race by the American revolution, we did not lose something
of the sacredness of home and family ties when we abandoned the patri-
archal headship and adopted the Procrustean scheme for making all men
equal ? Would not more of these old homesteads have been retained,
would "not more ancestral hearth-fires have been kept burning, had the
Puritan idea been allowed to prevail instead of the carving and leveling-
down scheme ?

The decadence of the hill towns and the abandonment of the old home-
steads that were their crowning glory afford themes for much discussion.
Not until after the abrogation of the Puritan family headship did attach-
ment to the soil fail or the number of children in native families begin to
grow less. So long as the family looked forward to a chosen one as the
presumptive care-taker of the old home, all went well. The one whom
nature and custom had selected to maintain the family honor and guard
the accumulating heirlooms had an incentive to make the place really a
family centre, an attractive object for an annual pilgrimage. The younger
brethren were taught early the necessity for learning useful trades, and as
the country grew they went into business. They were imbued with rever-
ence for the old homeland all knew that its best chamber, the fattest
turkey, the choicest products of the yeoman master, were reserved for
those who wandered into town life, but whose feet homeward turned for
the annual Thanksgiving, the New England family festival.

It is just one hundred years since the Puritan first-born lost (by statute)
his birthright — his first claim upon the home of his fathers. At about the

THE PURITAN BIRTHRIGHT 357

same time he took to trade and commerce and then to manufactures. His
children are now the merchant princes of the land. With all the material
success which has attended the diversion from the patriarchal system there
is a shadow. Where are the homely homes of the fathers ? Why are
strangers sitting in their gates, who know not the children of the men who
built them on the verdant hillsides and gave the healthful impetus which
sent forth into the world so many with strong brains to win in every field
of endeavor?

With wealth and refinement the longings to tread in the footprints of
the fathers are not lost. There is much lamentation over the abandoned
farms of New England, but there will be found sentiment enough in the
men in whose veins runs the blood of the pioneers to restore to them their
ancient homelikeness, without calling upon aliens to come and possess.

We cannot in this radical age re-enact the Puritan birthright. We may
be permitted to. allude to it as a system under which the race thrived.
Under the apparent materialism of the well-to-do descendants of the Puri-
tans there is an ingrained attachment to the soil and to family, which will
yet recover every one of those dear old homesteads. There may not be
in the future a legal birthright, yet the birthright of memory, tradition,
and reverence will not be sold like Esau's, but tenderly guarded with the
fathers' blessing.

Lynn, Massachusetts.

THE ACTION AT TARRYTOWN, 1781

HEROISM OF CAPTAIN GEORGE HURLBUT ■

Greatness of reputation does not guarantee a corresponding degree
of merit, neither does lack of reputation prove that merit is wanting.
Accidents of fortune may bestow honor where it is undeserved, or they
may deprive men of honor when it is due. The fame of Paulding and his
associates so completely obscures that of all other patriots whose names
belong to the history of Tarrytown during the Revolution, that the latter
are seldom mentioned in connection with the time or the place. Yet the
captors of Andre are famed not so much on account o'f what they per-
sonally accomplished as because of the importance of the event in which
they participated. The merit of their performance did not consist in
wisely laid or in bravely executed pians, for their exploit was a mere
accident, and they risked neither life nor limb in the prosecution of it ;
but in the fact that they possessed enough common honesty and common
sense to refuse to release the British spy who had fallen into their hands,
when they were tempted to do so by an offer of gold.

The captors were generously rewarded ; for, in addition to the honor
they received, they were publicly thanked for their fidelity, pensioned,
presented with farms, and decorated with medals while they lived, and
awarded monuments at public expense when they died. They were
justly entitled to the material part of their reward, but the reputation
they acquired far exceeded their merit. They unwittingly thwarted a
dangerous plot and were thus made famous by good fortune, while men
of greater worth, whom fortune did not favor, died without reward and
have been forgotten. Among the latter is Captain George Hurlbut, who
specially distinguished himself in the engagement known as " the action
at Tarrytown." It is the purpose of this sketch to briefly outline his
interesting career.

George Hurlbut was born at New London, Connecticut, about 1756.
His parents were Joseph and Elizabeth Hurlbut, the former being a de-
scendant of Thomas Hurlbut, who crossed the Atlantic in 1635 with Lion
Gardener, the builder and commander of the first fort at Saybrook, Con-
necticut, while the latter was the daughter of George Buttolph of Salem,

THE ACTTON AT TARRYTOWN, 1 78 1 359

Massachusetts." No particulars arc known concerning the events of
Hurlbut's childhood. The first account we have of him is when, in April,
1775, immediately after intelligence was received of the skirmish at
Lexington, he shouldered his musket, and with others of his townsmen
hastened to join the American army near Boston, f At this time he was
nineteen years of age, a young man of good presence, more than ordinary
intelligence, quick to think and act ; in brief, a typical New England youth
with New England spirit back of him. The command to which he
attached himself was an independent company formed in New London by
Captain William Coit, who afterward attained some distinction as an
officer in the navy. The organization was made up, for the most part, of
young men of Hurlbut's stamp, and the first active service they saw was
at the battle of Bunker Hill. It does not appear that Hurlbut's connec-
tion with Captain Coit's company was of the nature of a regular enlist-
ment, for we find that soon after the battle he was mustered into what
was known as " the Light Horse troop." It is very evident that his first
experience of the terrors of war did not quench his patriotic fervor, other-
wise his army life would have ended at Bunker Hill, where ft began.
When his first term of enlistment expired he became a member of " the
Washington Life Guards," and in 1778 he was promoted to a captaincy in
Colonel Sheldon's regiment of dragoons. This organization saw much of
its service in Westchester county, and it was while connected with it and
doing duty in this place that Hurlbut chiefly won his fame and ended his
military career.

" The action at Tarrytown " was not an affair of sufficient importance
to merit mention in works upon general history, and accounts of it must
be sought in out of the way sources, such as diaries, journals, newspapers
of the time, etc. It occurred on the evening of July 15, 1781, and it is a
strange coincidence, that without forethought on the part of any one the
regular meeting of the Tarrytown Historical Society and the reading of
this paper should have fallen upon the same day of the month. J

Dr. Thatcher in his Military Journal briefly refers to the action as
follows: " July 15 two of the British frigates and several smaller
vessels passed up the North river as far as Tarrytown, in defiance of our
cannon, which were continually playing on them. Their object appears
to be to seize some of our small vessels which are passing down the river

* The Hurlbut Genealogy, by Henry H. Hurlbut.

\ History of New London, by E. M. Caulkins, New London, 1852, p. 537.
% This paper was read before the Tarrytown Historical Society by its president on the 15th of
July, 1890.

360 THE ACTION AT TARRYTOWN, 1 78 1

with supplies for our army. One small sloop loaded with bread for the
French army has fallen into their hands." Count William de Deux Ponts,
who was with the French allies at Dobbs' Ferry, makes the following
mention of the action :* " On the 15th of July, at half past ten o'clock in
the evening, we heard several reports of cannon and musketry, and a
moment after they beat the general. The whole army rushed to arms
and was formed in an instant. After having remained in line of battle
for half or three quarters of an hour, we received orders to return to our
tents. On the morning of the 16th of July I learned that the guns heard
yesterday had been fired at Tarrytown, a smalt place on the banks of the
Hudson river, where they have been in the habit of unloading flour, which
comes to us from the Jerseys, by two English frigates which wanted to
support the attack made by three English schooners with the intention of
seizing and burning five small vessels laden with flour. The attack was
unsuccessful; indeed they succeeded in setting fire to one of these ves-
sels, but it was put out and the cargo saved."

The only full and satisfactory account of the action is to be found in
Moore's Diary of the American Revolution, where it is copied from the
New Jersey Gazette of August 8, 1781 : "July 20, 1781. On Sunday
evening, the 15th inst., two sloops of war, two tenders, and one galley, all
British, came up the Hudson river, with intention, it is supposed, to
destroy the stores then moving from West Poipt to the army. There
were at that time two sloops going down the river laden with cannon and
powder. As soon as they discovered the enemy they put about and
stood in for Tarrytown, where they run aground. The eivemy, having a
fair wind and tide, came up the river so fast that it was impossible to
march the infantry down in time to unload or protect the stores, as there
were no troops at Tarrytown, except a sergeant's guard of French
infantry. Colonel Sheldon (whose regiment lay at Dobb's Ferry) imme-
diately marched his mounted dragoons to the place, where he ordered
his men to dismount and assist in unloading the stores, which they did
with great dispatch. By this time, the enemy having come to anchor off
Tarrytown began a heavy cannonade, under cover of which they sent two
gunboats and four barges to destroy the vessels.

Captain Hurlbut of the second regiment of light dragoons was
stationed on board of one of these with twelve men, armed only with
pistols and swords; he kept his men concealed until the enemy were
alongside, when he gave them a fire, which they returned and killed one of

*" My Campaigns in America.'" Count William de Deux Ponts, 1786-87. Translated by
Samuel Abbott Green, Boston, 1868, p. 118.

THE ACTION AT TARRYTOWN, 1 78 1 361

his men. Captain Hurlbut finding himself surrounded ordered his men
to jump overboard and make for the shore, which they did, he following.
The enemy immediately boarded and set fire to the vessels, but were
obliged as quickly to retire, owing to the severe fire that was kept up
by the dragoons and French guard. Captain Hurlbut, Captain-Lieutenant
Miles, Quartermaster Shaylor, and others jumped into the river, and made
for the sloop, in order to extinguish the fire, which they did, and saved
the vessels. While in the water, Captain Hurlbut received a musket ball
through his thigh."

Washington, in the general orders of July 19, 1781, thus refers to
Captain Hurlbut and his companions : "The gallant behavior and spirited
exertions of Colonel Sheldon and Captain Hurlbut of the second regiment
of dragoons, Captain-Lieutenant Miles of the artillery, and Lieutenant
Shaylor of the fourth Connecticut regiment, previous to the arrival of the
troops, in extinguishing the flames of the vessels which had been set on
fire by the enemy, and preserving the whole of the ordnance and stores
from destruction, entitles them to the most distinguished notice and
applause of their general."

The result of Captain Hurlbut's injury is given in the following letter
written by his sister in 1808 to the Honorable Gideon Granger, post-
master-general : " Dire necessity induces me, though unknown to you, to
trouble you in a matter in which I am deeply interested. I am the widow
of Captain John Welsh, who commanded the marines in the unfortunate
attack upon Penobscot, in which he lost his life while bravely fighting at
the head of them. The loss of my husband left me in very disagreeable
circumstances which the kindness of a brother in a measure relieved.
This brother was Captain George Hurlbut, who commanded a company
of light horse in Sheldon's regiment, till in defending a vessel with stores
in the North river he received a wound, under which he languished till
the 8th day of May, 1783, when he expired, having suffered the most
excruciating, pain beyond the power of language to express. This deserv-
ing brother having made a will in my favor and appointed me executrix,
I have applied to congress for the commutation notes due him ; but finding
Captain Hurlbut's miserable life was not continued to the close of the
war, they refused them, though so small a recompense for a life spent and
lost in the service of, I am sorry to say, an ungrateful country. Should
you, sir, think it beneath your notice to interest yourself for me, I must sit
down in despair. I ask for but twenty or thirty pounds a year to enable
me to pass the evening of my days in peace and quietness."

According to the author of the history of New London, already

Vol. XXIV.-No. S.— 24

362 THE ACTION AT TARRYTOWN, 1 78 1

referred to, it appears that as soon as Captain Hurlbut was able to return
to his command he did so, and that upon his first appearance before his
troops they honored him with a salute. His horse being unused to fire,
arms, became unmanageable, and Hurlbut, weak from his long confine-
ment, was thrown violently to the ground. As a consequence his wound
reopened, and after months of severe suffering he was sent home to die,
the commander-in-chief of the army giving particular orders as to his
removal. Several years before the date of the above letter, Mrs. Welsh
had written to General and Mrs. Washington in regard to her claim
against the government, and received from them the following replies :

" Mount Vernon, December 8, 1788.
Madam :

You may readily conceive that I felt sensible for your situation, and
that were it as much in my power as it is in my desire I would contribute
effectually to your relief. After having said this, I need only add, that
as the general possesses the same good disposition toward you, and writes
on the subject himself, it is unnecessary for me to say more than that
my best wishes attend you, and that I am, madam, your most obedient
servant M. Washington.

Mount Vernon, December 8, 1788.
Madam:

I received your melancholy letter by the last mail, and could not delay
my sympathetic condolence on your unhappy situation. It is, indeed, dis-
tressing to me to find that a lady whose husband and brother perished in
the service of their country should be reduced to a precarious dependence
on others for that support which she might otherwise have received from
them. Your affecting case, and others of a similar nature, make me almost
weary of living in a world when I can do so little but pity, without having
the power to relieve such unmerited misfortunes. If my means were as
ample as my wishes, be assured, madam, I am too well persuaded of the
hardships of your condition and the merit of your brother not to exert my-
self effectually for your succor. A private citizen, as I am, I know not what
I can do (without the appearance of assuming too much upon myself) except
to give a certificate of the facts respecting the brilliant service which your
brother performed at the moment when he met with the wound which
occasioned his death, together with a private opinion annexed to it. Of
that certificate you may make such use as you shall think proper in appli-
cation to the board of treasury, the commissioners for settling the accounts

THE ACTION AT TARRYTOWN, 1 78 1 3^3

of the army, or any other persons to whom the business may appertain.
Recommending you most devoutly to that Being who will take care of the
widow and the fatherless, even though they should be neglected by an un-
grateful country, I remain with ardent wishes for your happiness, madam,
your most obedient, humble servant

George Washington.

P. S. There can be no doubt but that as heir to your brother you are
entitled to that portion of land promised to all officers of his rank who
served through the war or died in the service."

The certificate referred to above accompanied the letter, and is as
follows : "I do hereby certify to all whom it may concern, that Captain
George Hurlbut of the second regiment of light dragoons received a wound
in the gallant performance of his duty at Tarrytown in the summer of
1781, of which, after having languished in the most exquisite pains until
the 8th of May, 1783, he expired; and I do hereby further make known
(as my own private opinion) from the very brave manner in which he saved
a considerable quantity of stores, by swimming on board a vessel and ex-
tinguishing the flames that had been kindled by the enemy, amidst a
severe fire from their ships (for which he then received my particular
thanks in the public orders of the army) as well as from his having sur-
vived until after the war was in fact concluded by the signature of the pro-
visional treaty of peace, that the heir or heirs of the said Captain George
Hurlbut ought, in point of justice and the reason of the case, to be entitled
to the commutation of his half-pay, in as full a manner as if he had not
died until after the formal disbanding of the army by a resolution of con-
gress. In faith whereof I have hereunto signed my name and affixed my
seal this 8th day of December, in the year 1788.

George Washington/'

Surely nothing more satisfactory in the way of proof or of recommen-
dation could have been demanded in the case than was furnished by this
certificate, which probably accompanied the numerous appeals made by
Mrs. Welsh to the government for help. Her application was persistently
denied under several administrations, upon the technicality that congress
did not allow commutation of pay in the case of officers who died before
the disbanding of the army. Captain Hurlbut saw six years of active
service, and it is stated that he received one of the few medals distributed
for distinguished services in the army. Be this as it may, in warm-hearted
devotion to duty, and cool-headed gallantry in action, qualities which dis-

364 THE ACTION AT TARRYTOWN, 1 78 1

tinguish the hero from the mere soldier, Captain Hurlbut was the peer of
any of his contemporaries, and deserved the best that his country could
afford in the way of reward. But the event in which his laurels were won
was a trivial one, and despite his fine record, his wounds, his prolonged
suffering, and his death, he soon passed out of men's minds with the recol-
lection of " the action at Tarrytown." To-day all that remains to per-
petuate his memory is the brief mention made of him in history, the letters
quoted above, and a simple tombstone over his grave at New London,
Connecticut, bearing the following epitaph :

" The dust of

CAPTAIN GEORGE HURLBUT,

who died May 8, 1783,

in the 28th year of his age,

in consequence of a wound he

received in the service

of his country.

Here lies a youth of valor,

Known and tried,
Who in his country's cause,

Fought, bled, and died."

The writer cherishes the hope that when the improvement of depot
square in Tarrytown, now in progress, is completed, and it is transformed
into an ornament to the river front, a memorial to Hurlbut will be erected
there, and his sterling qualities be given honor near the place where
they were displayed.

niUafKj

THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY

HABITS AND MODE OF LIFE
III

The early colonists of La Nouvelle France came chiefly from Normandy,
Brittany contributing a certain number, as also La Saintonge, Beam,
Picardy, and Le Poitou. A party, not large, of Berrichons and Beau-
serons are known to have cast in their lot with those original emigrants,
the total number of whom was about 5,000. The majority were soldiers,
a considerable portion farmers. All who settled down as farmers were
called habitants, a name still borne by their descendants. They alternately
farmed and soldiered, according to the demands of the military authorities.
Subsequently more immigrants came from France to fill up the decimated
ranks of the colonists through heavy losses by epidemics, scurvy, famine,
and wars with the Indians and English, but their number was never large.
The few thousand settlers of the first half of the seventeenth century had
increased to 60,000 at the cession to Britain in 1760. This number had
swollen in 1890 to over 2,000,000, including those settled in the United
States, a rate unequaled by that of the most prolific people known to
modern enumerators or statisticians. This unparalleled expansion of the
original population is chiefly due to the extraordinary fecundity of the
old hardy, healthy pioneers and settlers, who dared to brave all dangers
and hardships in order to carry out the perilous and trying scheme of
founding another France in the unknown wilds of North America. Many
writers believe there would have been a still larger French-Canadian popu-
lation to-day if the old relations with France had continued ; but it is
doubtful if the stream of French emigration would ever have attained
considerable proportions. The Canadian climate, with certain other condi-
tions, were not powerful attractions to natives of the sunny, fertile land of
France, and besides, for many generations the French have not exhibited
any great inclination to risking their fortunes in new regions. Whether
the province has lost or gained by the course events have actually taken
is difficult to determine, but there is no room for difference of opinion as
to the value to the colony of the British and American emigration, with
that capital and abundant volume of labor which they brought, so essential

366 THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY

to the rapid and profitable settlement and cultivation of vast new wild
regions.

The true character of the French-Canadian cannot be fully understood
without a knowledge of the influences which have molded his early ances-
tors. As most historical readers are aware, the great northern province of
France, Normandy, was originally peopled by Gauls and Romans; and
about the ninth century of the Christian era it was repeatedly overrun
and devastated by hordes of Danish pirates. Charles the Simple, then
sovereign of France, to put an end to those destructive inroads, made a
treaty with Rollo, the son of Ragnwald, chief of the Northmen, giving him
the duchy of Neustria or Normandy, on condition of acknowledging his
superior authority. The new northern race was now engrafted upon the
older stock of Gauls and Romans, from which the Normans, since so
famous, are descended. The vigor and enterprising spirit of the original
sources are indisputable, their martial qualities and energies having been
developed by mutual rivalry, peculiar local circumstances, and ambitious
projects of a stimulating, impressive character.

The relations between Neustrians and Northmen were not seldom
strained, the former often having reason to complain of the exactions of
the latter. While the new-comers presumed upon the royal concessions,
their harassed neighbors, the older settlers, were afraid to openly rebel,
lest a costly and dangerous war should result. The Neustrians, often
thrown upon their wits, were forced to practice cunning and even dissimu-
lation in self-defense against rude and unscrupulous rivals. The character
no less than the physical qualities of the future Normans were thus early
and materially affected. The race gradually became quarrelsome, preda-
tory, and adventurous, ever ready to take advantage of weaker, less intelli-
gent, or wealthier neighbors. And their descendants to-day display hot a
few of their characteristics, including their shrewdness, energy, and adven-
turous spirit. .

The rustic of Norman extraction exhibits much natural sharpness
{finesse). He has a shrewd fear of committing himself by hasty answers,
or of injuring his interests by too ready admissions. To a direct question
involving or thought likely to jeopardize his interests, he will give you an
evasive reply, a sous-entendu or partial admission likely to deceive with-
out, in the speaker's opinion, implicating his conscience. His manner is so
innocent that it disarms suspicion, and afterwards he will quietly smile and
throw the blame upon the stupidity of the victim. Any one who gets
around him in the course of a " swap " or " bargain " may well boast of
his success. It is highly amusing to watch two equally sharp fellows try-

THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY 367

ing to get the better of one another. The shifts, evasions, prevarications,
exaggerations and so forth, display an amount of selfish acuteness and
roguish ingenuity that would do credit or discredit to the professional
sharper. Such incidents would be simply amusing only that they often
lead to reprisals sorely felt afterwards. In the fairs and market-places
the art may be witnessed daily. The one who obtains the advantage is
said to have " amanche"" (a word of Canadian coinage) the other. But
when he comes to an understanding and shakes hands over a bargain, his
word is his bond.

This finesse is sometimes carried to the point of sharp practice. For a
sample : A priest who had the taste of a fancier of choice breeds of poultry
was very proud of a certain rooster, and often boasted there was not
another bird in the country so handsome. A cunning peddler, who pre-
tended to have seen finer birds with townspeople, was engaged to procure
one for his reverence if he could. One day, in the priest's absence, he
came to the parsonage, captured (" chiper ") the rooster, and awaited his
return. The moment the reverend father appeared, the peddler held out
the bird to him, saying exultingly: "Well, monsieur le cure, I have got
your bird at last. Is he not a beauty? Take it, sir, for I am in a hurry!"
The priest was surprised at the likeness between the fowls, but thought, if
anything, this was the handsomer bird of the two, and paid the trickster
liberally for his supposed new prize. When remonstrated with, later, on
the imposition, the rascal merely replied : " I told you, monsieur le cure', it
was your rooster, and still you would pay for it ! " It used to be said of
this scamp : Lorsque vous cherchez un coquin, vrai 11 allez pas chez son voisin
(When you are seeking a rascal, call not upon his neighbor).

Another blague amusante, or amusing yarn, of the same kind may be
given. Entering a church a rogue saw a priest in the confessional, with
his watch hanging outside. His turn among the penitents came, and he
coolly walked forward, unhooked the timepiece, knelt, and began his con-
fession with the admission that he had stolen a watch, making a move as
if to give it to the priest. Of course it was refused, and he was told he
must return it to the owner. The sinner replied : " But I have offered it
to him and he won't take it back." "Well, then, keep it yourself,"
replied the innocent victim.

While the habitant may take advantage of others in a bargain, trespass
a little, profit of a neighbor's mistake in the measurement of his land, ap-
propriate a valuable strip of it by a stealthy movement of the fence, on the
highway or elsewhere, in all other respects he is honesty itself. There
exists an old legend, according to which the Norman concluded the Lord's

368 THE FRENXH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY

Prayer thus : Mon Dieuyje ne vons demande pas de bien, mettez moi settlement
a cote de quelquun qui en possede (" I do not ask of you, my God, property,
only locate me near one who owns some ").* Regular professional thieves
are scarce, and burglary is almost unknown. He will carefully return any
article borrowed of a neighbor, whom he will oblige readily when his turn
comes.

The vice of blasphemy is little practiced by the men who have not
traveled from home. Impulsive and quick-tempered, when excited or pro-
voked the peasant often employs expletives of the harmless kind. In the
cities, however, the laboring classes of this race are not entitled to equal
credit; their language' in argument or descriptive gossip can be as faulty as
that of the lower classes of other races. In presence of children he is
very particular to avoid any coarse language, a delicacy which might be
copied by others with advantage. Inoffensive exclamations like the fol-
lowing maybe uttered on certain occasions : Mille tonnerres (" A thousand
thunders"), C'est ti pas maudit (" Isn't it devilish "), Nom d'un petit bon-
homme (" Name of a little fellow "), etc.

Their love of litigation is one of the inherited instincts often remarked.
It proves sometimes, like other weaknesses, both troublesome and expensive.
Indeed, at present the cost of litigation in the provincial courts, in conse-
quence of an elaborate system of laws and legal machinery, the use of the
two languages and so forth, is often oppressive, almost ruinous. The old
Norman bluntly or piratically strove to appropriate any enviable property
within reach, while some of his descendants nowadays resort to law for
the settlement of disputes about real or imaginary settlers' rights and
privileges. Mr. J. A. Le Moine, so well known to literati both in the
United States and Canada, in a very interesting. work, replete with highly
useful information — The Explorations of Jonathan Oldbuck, F. G. S. Q.y
in Eastern Latitudes — says: " There were 424 lawsuits from 26th Septem-
ber, 1663, to 23d August, 1664, in a population of about 1,500 souls, or
nearly one lawsuit to every fourth person."

To illustrate the French-Canadian's weakness for litigation may be re-
lated the following, told me by a prominent member of the bar, practicing
in a city at some little distance from Quebec. He was retained to defend
a farmer in a lawsuit (une affaire, they say) offering several knotty legal
problems. On closely examining the case the lawyer expressed the opin-
ion that his client would win the suit ; but soon after, to his surprise, the
decision of the court favored his opponent. He thereupon advised his
client to seek a reversal of the judgment in a higher — the Court of

* Le Premier Colon de L/vis, by Joseph Edmond Roy.

THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY 369

Revision ; but suggested that another lawyer should also be consulted.
The counsel, an advocate of high standing, thought the matter had better
be dropped. But the farmer was reluctant to give up the contest without
another effort, his pride no less than his interests being now involved, and
he therefore ordered his lawyer to continue the case. The Court of Revi-
sion maintained the first decision, to the consternation of both lawyer and
farmer. The former, however, still believed it a wrong judgment, and told
his client to try next the Court of Appeals, but again urged him to take
counsel elsewhere. Once more they were forewarned not to be sanguine of
success. Still another consultation followed, with the same adverse opinion
as to the continuance of the suit. But the farmer replied, with that head-
strong disposition for which the Bretons are more famous than the Nor-
mans, that as long as there was any chance of winning the case, he would
not drop it. In the last trial, the plucky habitant triumphed by a vote of
three judges to one, upholding his lawyer's good judgment and legal knowl-
edge. Yet the victor, while ready to risk thousands of dollars to win a case
where hundreds only were at stake, would probably deny himself his
dinner, if visiting a strange city, to save twenty-five cents.

The authority for the above, a shrewd observer of men and things, gives
a plausible and interesting explanation of the farmer's partiality to law-
suits. In the country there are no places of amusement, theatres or con-
certs; which such lovers of pleasure and of acting would like to frequent.
Their fondness for excitement and display must find gratification, and about
the only place where acting may be practiced or witnessed is the district
courthouse, which is usually crowded with spectators watching the pro-
ceedings with unfeigned interest. Naturally the litigants and witnesses are
the people of importance for the hour, and on leaving court they are sur-
rounded by a host of admiring, sympathizing friends. While the suit is
pending neighbors call upon them whenever they pass the house, or stop
them on the road, to talk over the case and its prospects. The farmer en-
joys attention, it gives him increased importance ; but, the suit ended, the
principals lapse into their original obscurity. They often keenly feel the
change, so that when another opportunity arises, they eagerly plunge again
into " the glorious uncertainties of the law."

Racine well illustrated that penchant of his race for law, in Les Plaideurs,
when he wrote :

" Pour plaider.

Laissez faire, ils ne sont pas au bout
J'y vendrai ma chemise ; et je veux rien ou tout."

One thing is certain, they do not look at law in the light of a celebrated

370 THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY

barrister, recently deceased, who was once asked his sincere opinion on the
subject : " Why, the fact is," he rejoined, ■" if any man were to claim this
coat upon my back, and threaten my refusal with a lawsuit, he should
certainly have it, lest in defending my coat I should lose my waistcoat
also."

Not a few Canadian critics have remarked upon the proneness of the
race to jealousies among themselves. One fellow will frequently belittle
a neighbor's work, decry his farm, or speak slightingly of his competitors*
goods, easily coming to the belief, by frequent repetition, that his own are
superior. The same weakness casts a shadow over all circles of French-
Canadian social life, found as often among professional men and literati
as among the uneducated. It is another trait of Norman origin, partly
the product of jealousy and pride, which will not brook the triumph of
rivals. They want the honors and benefits, generally believing they
are better entitled to them than their more successful competitors. But
despite this sharp rivalry, they can meet afterwards and readily perform
the duties of good neighborhood, giving, when needed, substantial help.
This jealousy, I may add, is found pleasantly contrasted with an honor-
able generosity to outsiders, whose merits and achievements usually receive
ample justice.

The habitant is fickle, impressionable, and impulsive. His faults may
be the counterpart of his gifts, or, in the opinion of many, their necessary
background — its ont les qualite's de leurs defauts. A new scheme, recom-
mended plausibly, with some sentiment urged in its favor, wins him
easily ; but second thoughts not seldom interfere to influence his action
and suggest a delay pending the revelation of the experience of others.
Urgency now would fail of the mark, practical proof being required for
his conversion. Thus, improvements in agricultural and other implements
of trade will long be left severely alone till their value be fully demon-
strated by an enterprising neighbor or pushing agent. This caution, it
must be confessed, is often carried too far, justifying the reproach of
" slowness," cast at these people. But, considering their isolated con-
dition till the end of the first half of this century, in a region of long and
hard winters, it is a wonder not that they have accomplished so little but
that they have achieved so much. Of late matters are changing greatly
near the cities ; many have learned the latest improvements of all kinds
and are willing to risk money in promising experiments.

The venturesome, speculative spirit of the Anglo-Saxon, Jean Baptiste
rarely exhibits ; nor that enterprise in making money for its own sake.
If reproved on this score, he will philosophically and perhaps truly

THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY 3?I

reply, that at the end of the year he will be as well off as the eager
money-hunters. He will say Je finirai par " amarrer" .by which he
means he will ultimately succeed in making both ends meet. He does
not believe that happiness is mainly dependent upon the acquisition of
wealth, which generally requires the sacrifice of most of the pleasures
of life. Such contentment and indifference go far to explain the small
number of wealthy French-Canadians, and of the few speculators and
projectors to be found among them. The reader can draw his own
conclusions as to the merit of such opinions; but they come to us with at
least considerable recommendations. No one will deny their great age on
the one hand, and, on the other, the wisdom no less than the purity of
their source in the leading nations of ancient and modern times. It is no
wonder, therefore, that mere slaves of mammon will often pass in the hunt
for wealth such easy-going, temperate competitors in business, not wholly
wrapped up in money-making and worldly parade. People there live for
themselves and friends — in other words, enjoy life to the full. After lay-
ing something by for the traditional " rainy day," they will take life easy,
sweetening its evening by diversions and enjoyments of the approved
kinds. Unlike the Briton or American, who struggles to make others
think his " pile," however substantial, can never satisfy, he acts upon the
old pious conviction that :

" Man wants but little here below,
Nor wants that little long."

A proper estimate of the value of money is occasionally manifested by
the rustics. One fellow, who always haggled at a bargain, the possessor of
a considerable sum of money and gathered property worth as much more,
obtained by usury, had just buried his second wife. Shortly after, presenting
himself before the priest, he pretended to be shocked at the price of the
funeral service, and begged for a reduction. " You know, monsieur le cure,
that I am a good customer of yours, and a customer should be favored.
I buried my first wife here, and I have just buried my second. I may
soon be getting married again, and, besides, you know my father is on his
last legs [branle dans le manche), and my mother will hardly survive him
{tie lui survivra guere). Now, have some conscience (mettez la main sur la
conscience) and take something off this big b\\\{rabattez moi quclque chose)."
But the priest was inexorable, notwithstanding his parishioner's tempting
promise of further custom.

A well-known usurer in the neighborhood of Quebec was regarded as
a genius in his way. He could neither read nor write, but could produce,

372 THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY

at a moment's notice, a debtor's note from among a pile of other papers.
One of his schemes was to take credit wherever he could be trusted, and
refuse to pay until sued and judgment was obtained against him. Some
one asked him before he died why he pursued so foolish a course.
'* Whoever takes me for a fool will find out his mistake, particularly if he
have any dealings with me. I have saved many a pound that way ;
most people would rather lose a sum due than sue for it." He had a
system of his own for keeping accounts. He kept a general store, and
would chalk against the wall all the articles he sold on credit. He had a
certain sign for each debtor, opposite which he would set another sign to
indicate the goods sold. For instance, for a cheese he would draw a
circle, for a millstone, a circle with a dot in the centre. One day he asked
a customer for the price of a cheese, which the latter denied having
bought. The shopkeeper then remembered it was a millstone, but he
had forgotten to put the dot in the centre. Without claiming fame as the
result of his singular limitations and remarkable sharpness, this old fellow
might yet be said to be a man of mark.

Thrift is a common characteristic of the peasants. The women prepare
all the food and frequently make the entire raiment of the household.
They economize at every point, and will even occasionally skip a meal,
while away from home, to save a trifle. But they have not yet reached
the frugality of Mrs. Goodenough, on which Mrs. Gaskell descants in
Wives and Daughters, who would cut her children's hair while they had
colds, " for it was of no use having two colds when one would do, and
cutting our hair was sure to give one." Mrs. Louise Chandler Moulton, in
one of her delightful contributions to the Boston Herald a short time ago,
remarks on this subject : " French frugality means getting the full worth of
one's money, and, above all, wasting nothing. ... It adorns respect-
ability and sobers wealth ; it enables the entire community to get the
most out of life. It extends even into the matter of eating ; and our
wastefulness of tfre gravy is quite as amazing to a Frenchman as it is to
us to see him carefully wipe it all up with his bread."

Their proneness to dispute on the expression of strong uncongenial
opinion, or during periods of excitement, when differences in the ordinary
affairs of life arise, has often been alluded to by both foreign and native
writers. They are excitable and impulsive, but easy-going generally, and
even-tempered. They quickly forget their flash of anger, and meet their
whilom opponent the next day with the usual polite and friendly man-
ner— sans rancune. The long, violent, wordy tempests in which they
indulge, with wild gesticulations and even threats of violence, excite

THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY 373

apprehension in the minds of the peaceful onlookers, but to the natives
are only diverting, as the result is rarely serious.

The quality of obstinacy, or what the partial critic characterizes as
resoluteness, is a marked feature of the descendant of the ancient Bretons
who mingled with the original explorers and colonists. Cautious and slow
in resolving upon any particular course, when once his mind is made up
the utmost difficulty is experienced in persuading him to reconsider his
determination, much less any change of opinion. To such a philosopher
change, in many cases, means weakness or insincerity, a failing very
unpopular and injurious to personal influence. When he is in doubt as
to the course he should pursue he will say, Je suis en balan (an obso-
lete French expression of the time of Montaigne). You may bring the
strongest argument to bear against his conclusions, establish as plainly
as two and two make four that he is wrong, and still he will cling to
his opinions. He will politely listen to all you may wish to say on the
subject, but he will leave you determined to carry out his original inten-
tion. He will not dissimulate, as the more wily farmer of Norman
descent, who will generally pretend to be convinced, and act afterward
as he thinks best.

They live in easy relations among themselves. A familiarity of a
pleasant and mutually respectful sort exists, with a ready disposition to
fraternize with and help each other. This is often alluded to by outsiders
as " clannish ; " but it is really a simple, kindly willingness to bear with
inconvenience from fellow-countrymen which would not be tolerated from
foreigners. Their long isolation among an English-speaking community
has made them cultivate much sympathy for one another. And the
kindly relations between the old seigneurs and their tenants, two or three
centuries ago, served to strengthen the friendly ties uniting both classes
down to the beginning of this century. Their firm establishment in the
New World could not have been possible without this mutual good-feeling
and co-operation, both in peace and war. There is no doubt that the ties
of friendship are strong with them, and they last over the period of fair
weather and prosperity. They will stand by their friends with genuine sym-
pathy and substantial aid when the skies lower and ruin threatens. There
is an added powerful bond of union in their common religious faith, the
Roman Catholic, which everywhere binds them together, even in the
United States. But they have not yet reached anything approaching
that partiality for each other which is attributed to the American people
by one of themselves: " You have a great country," said an English-
man to a citizen of the United States ; " but your climate shortens life.

374 THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY

Your business men die young." " The trouble is not with the climate,"
replied our countryman. " No, sir. The reason why our people die young
is because they know when they've got enough. Public-spirited, patriotic,
and unselfish, they die early, sir, to make room for the rising generation."

At home the farmer is generally abstemious, but not always so when
he visits the cities. He is not, however, a noisy reveler or quarrelsome,
but rather vastly fraternal, believing that conviviality is the one touch of
nature that makes the whole world kin. After his frolic, he leads a quiet,
industrious, self-denying life, till his next visit to the town, with its mani-
fold temptations. We have thus another illustration of the law of the
pendulum, that in its reaction swings over its full course.

They are very fond of horses, and especially a good roadster (un
bon routeur). The temptation to pass his neighbor on all ordinary occa-
sions, or the resolution not to let his neighbor pass him, is not much
resisted. He makes cheerful exception, however, of the local magnates,
who are " given the road " through feelings of respect and feudal instincts.
As to the commonalty, both they and the horses expect to be put on
their mettle whenever they meet on the road. Often they enter into
a race without premeditation, as on the return from a funeral. The
mourners on the way home do exhibit a serious demeanor after the
solemn funeral rites within and without the church, but the horses are
no parties to such conventions. They will have a say as to the time and
manner of the return trip, in accordance with that instinct in other cases
so often utilized by man. The moment they hear a horse approaching
from behind they will prick up their ears and increase their rate of speed.
The noble animal is astonished to feel his master curb him, and soon he
begins to evince signs of uneasiness. His disposition for speed increases,
but he is still held in. The excitement, however, grows apace, and insen-
sibly the master himself feels the contagion gaining upon him. Little
by little matters become livelier, the two teams are now rushing along at
lightning speed, and perhaps the second horse dashes ahead. Then the
cries of the drivers break forth, as they urge their steeds to the utmost
swiftness. Gallant, dashing feats always command admiration among
them, and the people rush to the windows or outside, shouting words of
encouragement to their favorites, amid clapping of hands. The follow-
ing Sunday the stirring incidents of these struggles are discussed. The
unseemliness of such rivalries at such a time is pointed out and firm
resolutions are made for the future, recalling the poacher's vow that he
would never steal Baron Greenfield's game again, " at any rate not till his
meat gave out."

THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY 375

Daily contact with the dead, like other customs impressive or revolting
at first, can harden persons to an extent destructive of their finer feelings,
and permit of liberties or practices almost incredible to mankind in gen-
eral. I witnessed one day in the city of Quebec a peculiar incident. The
dead from the morgue and unclaimed bodies from the hospitals are borne
to the cemetery in a very plain hearse, drawn by but one horse, usually
unaccompanied by mourners. The driver of such a hearse I saw deliber-
ately draw up his horse at a hotel near the St. Foy tollgate, on his way to
Belmont Cemetery, and return after awhile wiping his mouth with one
hand and a lighted pipe in the other. After thus wishing his passenger
good luck on his long journey, he proceeded nonchalantly towards the
graveyard. The deponent did not follow to see if he stopped again before
he reached his destination, but his good cheer being wholly undaunted by
his sombre traveling party, he seemed fully equal to such indulgence.

An acquaintance to whom I repeated the above mentions that while
on a tour through Ireland, a (ew years ago, and walking on the road lead-
ing to the famous cemetery of Glasnevin, he perceived to his astonish-
ment two hearses nearly abreast, approaching at terrific speed, the driver
of each violently exerting himself to get well ahead of the other. This
extraordinary race was kept up till the cemetery gates were reached.
Expressing his surprise to the gatekeeper at the spectacle of a hard race
to the graveyard, a sight unknown in Canada to any creed or nationality,
our tourist was informed that it was not uncommon among the poorer and
more superstitious of the Irish when two or more hearses met. Each
driver then strove to the utmost to avoid being last in entering the ceme-
tery, the spirit of the last brought in being obliged to keep guard over all
the graves and tombs till the next corpse arrived to relieve it of this duty.
In Connaught and the other more Celtic districts of the island the same
custom is occasionally witnessed, and I have since read that he was right.
It appears that when two funeral parties reach the cemetery at the same
time, the difficulty is settled by a simultaneous filling up of the graves.

Like Frenchmen generally, the French-Canadian is often misjudged
by people of different temperaments, reared under different institutions.
They accuse him of insincerity of manner and affectation, for they find it
impossible to understand his real feelings in the ordinary relations and
duties of life. He makes, they will say, as great a fuss or friendly show in
greeting an acquaintance for whom he cares little as a friend whom he
greatly likes ; may ask with as much apparent solicitude after the health
and welfare of the one as the other, paying compliments unsparingly in
both cases. But the impulse to this demonstration is found in the fact

376 THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY

that he considers such acts of gracious civility due to all with whom he is
brought into social contact. It is the mark of his good-breeding, and this
requires a very different quality of grace and cordiality from the indiffer-
ent and even frigid greetings becoming so much the vogue at the present
day. I heartily agree with the remark from a notable work recently
published under the title of French Traits, by W. C. Brovvnell, which is
equally applicable to their kindred in Canada: "The truth is," writes this
critical observer, " the French are as sincere as any other people, only they
manifest the virtue in their own way. French manners include a good
deal of compliment, and compliment is taken literally only by the savage.
. . . Compliment is merely the current coin of the French social realm."

The main object with the French-Canadian is to give pleasure to those
he meets, and win, in return, their esteem. If you discuss this subject
with him seriously, he will plead that " the white lie " is indispensable to
the proper working of the social machine; and very few would deny that
harmony in certain circles would not exist a day if the naked truth were
habitually revealed ; if, for example, our servants should tell callers that
though their masters were at home, they were not visible to them. In the
work already quoted from, Mr. W. C. Brownell's, this clever writer says :
" More 'white lies' are told in France than in America; but I honestly
think fewer black ones. The evasion that will give pleasure or spare pain
does not shock the Frenchman ; but the slander that will ruin a life would
be opposed to the social instinct. The French scorn cant as we scorn
falsehood." And the same writer adds : " The white lie is tremendously
convenient, and is, I think, destined to greater popularity with us than it
at present enjoys. In France its abolition would revolutionize society."

Much of the French-Canadian's course is dictated by love of appro-
bation, manner and conduct both being largely influenced by the force of
public opinion. Naturally, then, the feelings and interests of his acquaint-
ances receive much consideration. And he certainly shows a praiseworthy
readiness to oblige them, as well as to do them practical service. These
courtesies, among the peasant class, are not, of course, generally practiced
with the delicacy of those trained to the refined expression of city life.
His temperament vibrates responsively to any social overture, for the
friendliness of others cheers and inspires him. On all occasions the
strength of his social feelings is very noticeable, solitude being a weariness
to him. Any comradeship is more desirable than moping. This dispo-
sition enables any one to address him, in traveling, and to ask any ques-
tion, his mood affording an agreeable contrast to the taciturnity of the
average English stranger.

THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY 2>77

The Frenchman, besides a proper feeling of humanity and duty to-
wards strangers as such, flatters himself that by politeness he can at least
enjoy an opportunity of conversing with people of all sections, till by
broad interchange of thought he thus becomes intellectually cosmopolitan,
and this in the simplest way, without cost or care. The American people
often exhibit the same desirable spirit. A custom-house official at one
of the European boundaries exclaimed to a party from America: " Why
is it we can always tell- you from the English the moment we see you and
hear you speak? Always we are glad to meet you, and always we hate
the sight of an Englishman." Of course, total strangers as they were in
either case, it was the genial spirit of the one and the grave, somewhat
repellent, manner of the other that led to this avowal from an inspector
of trunk and passport.

With the average Briton a formal introduction is necessary — derigucur.
Without it that mysterious but very delicate and important second self,
his " sense of propriety," would be vitally injured. The French-Canadian
of cities considers this a very flexible requirement, of little importance,
except on occasions of state. Indeed, he laughs at the stiffness and servile
submission to habit exhibited by those who would be shocked at the
omission of established form at an ordinary meeting at a railway station
or restaurant, or a greeting on a brief journey. Such sticklers are ridiculed
as too particular for that respect which they alone consider their due. In
common phrase they ought " to live in a bandbox," where they could not
only put on their own airs, but breathe them, too, without change. The
French feeling on the subject is reflected in the ridiculous take-off pub-
lished in the Paris newspapers a few years ago. A Briton chanced to see
a woman fall into the Seine. He stopped and watched her struggles to
save herself from drowning, but made not the slightest effort to deliver
her, although there was manifested some concern on his stolid face. The
poor woman was drowned. The Englishman was subsequently heard
expressing regret at the misfortune of his not having been introduced to
her, for, said he, " being a good swimmer I might have saved her, but I
could not, of course, touch a stranger."

On the other hand the extreme politeness of the French, on either side
the ocean, may on occasions be too resolutely maintained. A French-
man visiting an Englishman in his London home was told that the occa-
sion would be celebrated by the opening of a very old bottle of Oporto
wine at dinner. In due time it was produced by the butler, and, with
many precautions, decanted and delicately served. The host, being en-
gaged in carving, urged his guest to take a preliminary sip, assuring him

Vol. XXIV.-No. 5.-25

37$ THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY

that the treat before him was too delicate to be held in waiting. The
Frenchman, with all the air of entire realization of his host's prediction,
complimented him graciously upon being the possessor of a wine so
exquisite, which he did not hesitate to pronounce the finest he ever drank.
Eager to share the delicious vintage, the host laid down the carver
and lifted his glass to his lips, when, without a scruple, he instantly spat
out what he had drank with supreme disgust, demanding of the amazed
butler what vile stuff he had served to them. It was then ascertained
that a bottle of ink had been opened by mistake. The above serves
to illustrate the fact that a French guest thinks it his first duty to have
both his good-breeding and his digestion in iron-clad armor, at the ser-
vice of his host.

The Jiabitants are true and sincere on important matters. Indeed,
among themselves, especially when referring to religion or their agricul-
tural interests, they are almost boorish in their freedom. They are frank
and outspoken over their affairs, even speaking to strangers with complete
freedom about private or delicate matters. In trivial things they hold
themselves, as do too large a mass of humanity elsewhere, quite at liberty
to serve their own comfort with sincerity or insincerity as it may happen
to suit their convenience. As we have seen, this race has its faults, but
they throw into clear relief their kindly qualities and sterling virtues. At
any rate they have gained the good-will of unprejudiced observers. The
laboring classes of the same nationality offer many specimens not so credit-
able to the human race ; but contact with hardship and vice has been the
perverting influence of many of them.

The distinction between classes in every village, with its multiform
results, would amuse the practical democratic citizen of the United
States. The seigneurs and professional men, who, by the bye, are often
persons with distinguished airs, possessing a fair knowledge of the world,
represent the grand seigneur or territorial lord of the olden time. While
they will address the habitant in an easy, familiar way, they will not asso-
ciate with him on friendly terms, nor condescend to make him an intimate.
This sensitive colonial aristocracy like to preserve the old social distinctions
and keep the commonalty in their place. They will rarely eat at the
same table with the farmers or artisans, and no opportunity is lost of im-
pressing them with the extent of the social distance between these classes.
And an enormous value will be set upon any favors shown by such
"great" to those "small." Any local magnate forgetting his proper dis-
tance, becoming too free with his inferiors, will speedily encounter the
remonstrances of his peers, if not be ignored by them. And, strange as it

THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY 379

may seem to some, the very class whose member he has thus sought to
elevate to his own level will not respect him for his condescension. I
have known an intoxicated (" chaud") lawyer to be told by a farmer with
whom he was too familiar: Ne vous degrades pas, monsieur, vous netes pas
des notres ! (" Don't belittle yourself, sir, you are not of our kind ! ") This
respect for the upper class is traditional with the peasantry. They have
been taught for centuries that the well-being of society depended upon
such distinctions. The man bearing nature's honor-marks in the form of
good abilities, or distinguished for patriotism or philanthropy, is respected
and considered deserving of confidence, but inherited honors carry more
weight still. They think Bon sang ne ment pas (" good blood will always
tell ").

Tourists comment upon the homage of the lower orders to a gentleman
{un monsieur). The rustics believe not only in the divinity that " doth
hedge a king," but in every atom of it that may surround the squire. I
may recall at this point a story of a French-Canadian lawyer who for
some time has kept a talking parrot. Once, during his absence, a client
from a distant parish, wishing to consult him, was shown to the parlor
occupied by the bird, to await the lawyer's return. Seeing nobody
present, the rustic put on his hat, when, to his astonishment, he was
assailed with the command : Otez votre chapeau ! (" Take off your hat ! ")*
The social offender promptly obeyed, with the becoming apology: Excuses
moiy monsieur, je vous prenais pour un oiseau ! (" Excuse me, sir, I took
you for but a bird ! ")

When such peasants observe any member of the upper class at manual
labor they lose respect for him, considering he has forgotten what is due
to his order. If* poverty cause the " step down," their Usual reflection is,
it does not become him to do such work. Many a hard hour is spent by
the rustic in such kindly offices, and without any thought of compensation
afterwards, simply to save the superior's feelings. The performance of
domestic " chores " or self-help by the latter, however necessary to health
and pocket, excites their sharpest comments, with conclusions of disrespect.
I have seen persons sadly misjudged in the simple act of shoveling the
snow off their sidewalks, for needed exercise, by such watchful critics, and
denounced as miserly, wholly bent upon saving by unbecoming personal
exertion. The women possess their full share of this feeling, too. The
doctor's wife, for instance, does not consider she should call on the mer-
chant's or the schoolmaster's, while the latter does not think she could
mingle with the wife of the blacksmith or laborer.

Although the experiences of the people of the Canadian provinces and

38o THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY

the oldest states in the Union have been similar in the matter of demo-
cratic origin, early hardships, and chief growth from popular sources, still
the difference in the social habits prevailing on either side of the bound-
ary is material. The class distinctions may, in the North, be carried
sometimes too far, and mere title-poles, in the shape of knights or honor-
ables, entitled to wear that prefix to their names as a reward for political
services rendered or to come, are treated to rather much homage by the
majority. A little distinction between the general mass and the leaders in
the different departments of society, business, politics and science might
be drawn, to the advantage of all classes. Self-respect should be preserved
on the upper side, with due regard for merit of all kinds on the lower, in a
way to stimulate the worthy, below, to achieve rank also, and to urge its
actual possessors to mount still higher. On either side the line there is
abundant room for merit, and neither individual jealousy nor mob rudeness
should be permitted to drag it down. On the contrary, real worth, espe-
cially the unselfish sort, loudly calls for every possible encouragement in
the interest of all orders in the state. " Leveling up " should ever be
preferred to "leveling down." Manners and customs favorable to this
latter process are rather prevalent with many in the United States. The
following anecdote fairly illustrates personal habits too much in vogue
with some, otherwise deserving of regard and imitation, but which natu-
rally make a painful impression on persons of refined feelings, especially
those observing them for the first time. A gentleman on his way from New
York to Albany entered a smoking-car of the train and saw men engaged
in a game of cards. He was impressed with the marked individuality of
one of the players — a man of rugged features, square, firm-set chin, and
hair white as snow, who was playing with all the excitement and ardor of
youth, occasionally emphasizing his remarks with strong expletives. The
partner was a young man hardly above thirty, with all the nonchalance of
the western man. On the train's arrival at a by-station, the younger man
excused himself from taking further part in the game, as he had reached
his destination, and he parted from his companion as from a newly made
acquaintance. To my friend's surprise the old gentleman then turned
towards him and asked if he would take a hand, telling him they were
playing " All Fours." Not liking the game, he proposed that they should

substitute Whist, to which the old stranger replied : " Oh ! Whist be ;

life is too short for such a game. Come and join me in the best of games."
A very spirited one followed, but luck was against the old gentleman, which
evoked some stunning exclamations of disgust. When the game was dis-
continued and the veteran had left the car, a bystander remarked:

THE FRENCH-CANADIAN PEASANTRY 38 1

11 The old gentleman likes his game of cards as much as he did when
Abraham Lincoln occupied the White House." My informant feeling sure
that this was a case of mistaken identity, inquired of the train conductor,
only to hear the information confirmed. This free-and-easy style, even to
an American born and bred in New York state, seemed rather grating.
He confessed there was room for more reserve and dignity in a man of
eighty years, especially one who had occupied a position of honor and trust
in the government of a great nation.

The Canadian social chief or public man may possess no more moral
value nor personal worth than the above free-and-easy veteran, but he will
not make free with utter strangers or so readily mingle with casual
acquaintances. If he have occupied a high position in society, politics,
or the public service at any time, his subsequent demeanor is usually of
a kind to preserve the fact ever after in the general remembrance.

<&L

"^trzAcA* ^je^-zc^eA^

Boston, Massachusetts, October, 1890.

REVOLUTIONARY NEWBURGH *

For William, prince of Orange, famed,
And later England's king, they named
A county by the highland stream,
And where it broadens in a dream
Of bay-like beauty, England's Queen,
The good queen Anne, whose arms had

been
Assisted by Palatines brave
In Europe's wars, a refuge gave
To their distress, when fiercely driven
From home by persecutions given
In Louis's harsh religious zeal.
With patents from the royal seal
Foundations of a town they lay,
A Newburgh called, and on the Tay
In Scottish land near high Dundee,
But nearer Perth washed by the sea,
An older Newburgh erst was made.
But weary grown the Teutons bade
America's Rhine a long farewell,
And in their stead there came to dwell
The English, Irish, Huguenots,
To risk their scalps and crops and cots
Amid the lurid Indian's yells,
Whose breast with raging envy swells.

II.

The heathen aborigines

Were wont to hold horrid orgies

Upon Dans Kamer's Point that lay

At northern end of Nebwurgh bay ;

And Bachtamo their god adored,

And help in all their schemes implored.

When to the hunt or war about

To march, here first they held a rout ;

Conjurers turned in somersaults,

Or smote themselves for all their faults,

Leaped round the blaze in maddened

gyre,
Or charged, abandoned, through the fire.
Then all the tribe with caterwaul
Invoke to come the devil foul,
Whom in an animal they see,
If ravenous, bad prodigy,
If innocent, fair augury.
The savages with warfare sly
Oft scourged the settlers doomed to die
Beneath their hands, and Minnisink
Fore'er remains a dreaded brink
Of massacre, once wrought by Brant.
At Goshen now a shaft extant
Commemorates the whites who fell,
Contesting for their homes right well
That Julian day in seventy-nine,
Where Delaware's ravines entwine
Their rocky knolls with bosky vine.

III.

In Orange saw the Clintons light —
Immortal trio, George who right
Wisely as governor ruled the state,
And James who led to war's debate
The soldiery, sire of DeWitt,
His greater son, chosen to sit
As chieftain of the state, and plan
The great canal, now free, that ran
Between Lake Erie and the sea.

* The following stanzas comprise the sixth canto, "Newburgh," of the centennial epic,
" Washington," composed at Cold Spring on Hudson, New York, by the Rev. Edward J. Runk,
A.M., in 1889, and about to be published, with notes, in book form.

REVOLUTIONARY NEWBURGH

383

To fight the royal enemy

The people raised six regiments.

Du Bois as colonel brave presents

The continental Fifth in line.

From Goshen Allison the sign

Of valor leads ; from Florida

Come Hathorn's soldiers to the war,

And Cornwall's patriotic host,

By Woodhull led, maintain their post.

James Clinton heads New Windsor's

braves,
And o'er the Newburgh warriors waves
The sword of Hasbrouck in command —
All sworn to free their native land.
Quebec and Montreal in fight
The Orange valor bring to light,
Fort Schuyler, Saratoga's field
And Yorktown's cape fresh honor yield,
And in the annals of the state
Their names enroll among the great.

IV.

Where Otterkill its waters pours
Upon the Hudson's favored shores,
Now Moodna creek or Murderer's

called,
On broad Plum Point a battery walled
And armed with guns, by Machin

made,
An iron chain and boom surveyed
That stretched across to Pollepel's isle
To close the stream 'gainst force or guile.
Below the creek Sloop hill arose,
Where vessels landed their cargoes,
With beacon fires illumed at night
To flash the news along with light
In days of periled freedom's fight.
West of New Windsor lay the square
With mansions round about, and there
The generals erst their quarters placed.
Greene, Clinton, Knox, and St. Clair

graced

The scene, with Gates and Lafayette,
Whilst in the village, neighboring yet,
Had Washington his quarters set.

In prosperous Newburgh, toward the

south,
Above Quassaic's broadening mouth,
Lies Hasbrouck's house with gable roof,
Built six score years ago, and proof
Against the gnawing tooth of time.
Within its walls we hear the chime
Of mellow memories — the shrewd
Designs of patriots, imbued
With yearnings all the state to free,
The mustering of company
And regiment that marched away
To swell America's array,
E'en valiant Hasbrouck's own command,
To help emancipate the land.
From Philadelphia, where he stayed
The winter after Yorktown made
Our arms victorious in war,
Came Washington to dwell afar
From home once more another year,
And in his house of stone from fear
And danger ward the waiting state.
Upon the stoop the Highland gate
And stream he might with ease survey,
And mountain range across the bay.
Within, the room of seven doors
And single window, where fire roars
In huge recess, a welcome gave
To peaceful guests and warriors brave.

VI.

While discontent stole through the host
Encamped around these hills, and boast
Of mutiny was murmuring heard,
Redress from congress seemed absurd,
And violence appeared the way
To wrest just treatment from delay.

REVOLUTIONARY NEWBURGH

In Pennsylvania's ranks enrolled

Led Lewis Nicola in bold

Array of arms a regiment,

Who in the bloom of May had sent

A missive to the chief revered,

In which he pondered on the feared

Stability of government

Republican, to represent

Advantages of monarchy,

The English one particularly,

And urge with gentle hint made plain

The kingly title and the reign

Majestic for the chief addressed.

But Washington such schemes repressed

With patriotic promptitude,

Rebuking all such hardihood,

Injurious to the struggling state.

Unlike ambitious Caasar, great

In war, who thrice refused a crown,

A single nay enough renown

Brought him, who played no pompous

part,
But showed mankind an honest heart.

VII.

The camps amid the highland hills
Columbia's resting army fills,
While Frank allies the winter pass
Within Virginia's lines, alas !
The keeper, too, with Maryland,
Of Britain's second lost command.
Revolving time the summer brings,
And northward Gallia's army wings
Its homeward way across the lea.
Their brave allies once more to see,
And bid farewell and fond Godspeed,
Columbia's soldiers, valiant breed
Of foemen armed, to Peekskill wend
Their way by road or boat, descend
Upon Verplanck's high pointed shore,
And wait their martial guests before
The bay that like Lake Como seems.

With ordered tents the landscape gleams.
September's speeding fortnight beams
Upon the serried martial lives,
When Rochambeau the brave arrives,
His welcome host in arms to lead
'Twixt dual lines that orders heed,
Arranging them from ferry pier
To quarters of the chieftain near.
The right wing under Gates is ranked
In two divisions closely flanked.
In one McDougall leads again
Rhode Island and Connecticut's men,
And in the other, Scotch St. Clair
With New York and New Jersey's pair
Of bold brigades, four regiments,
Deployed in steady line, presents.
The left wing stands with sturdy Heath,
With one division ranged beneath
The sabre in Lord Stirling's hand,
From Massachusetts' eastern land
And bleak New Hampshire's mountains

grand,
Whilst Howe's division is complete
With men from Massachusetts, meet
To start the war, and victory greet.
All uniformed and armed they rest,
Five thousand strong, tQ hail the guest
Of Gallia lingering in the west.

VIII.

Up from the strand the Frenchmen

come,
With banners flying, sound of drum,
And martial music, horses' stamp,
Artillery rumbling, and the tramp
Of ordered thousands, bright arrayed.
De Lauzun's legion undismayed,
With Viomenil's light infantry,
Appears, the flower of Gallic chivalry,
Whose regiments are marching on,
With Montmorenci, De Deux Fonts,
Wounded at the Yorktown redoubt,

REVOLUTIONARY NEWBURGH

385

And Custine, leading them 'mid shout

Of victory. At Crompond, near

Mohegan and Mohansic's mere

Of dual waters beautiful,

The French encamp ; and dutiful

To Mars the allied hosts review

Their mutual lines, marshaled in true

Allegiance to the warlike art,

Nor are there lacking to the heart

Of patriotic chivalry

The rites of hospitality

And joyous round of courtesy,

To celebrate the victory.

IX.

A month they spend in social joy,
When toward October's end, with coy
And envious wing, the flight of Time
The allies sundered from the clime
By stream and mountain beautified.
Eastward the army dignified
By Rochambeau's wise leadership
In perfect order marched. 'Mid drip
And pour of rain our soldiers strike
Their tents, and follow the turnpike
O'er Sachoes' brook and toilsome hill
To Redoubt mountain wood, where still
The pleasing forest shades the eye.
All night beneath the heavens they lie
At Garrison's, till morning light
With dawn salutes their waking sight
And rouses them the stream to cross.
Their journey meets no loitering loss
As up the Butter hill they press,
And though, another night, caress
The couch and pillow of the ground,
The morning's rise and march hath found
At New Windsor the camp regained.
So left they ancient Peekskill, drained
Of all that grand array, the forts
And lookouts toward the bay, and sports
Of international delight.

Now to Fort Independence site

The soldiers of the state repair

In summer months the garb to wear

And arms to use of warlike drill,

And keep alive our martial skill ;

Whilst from the village near to view,

Where matchless Whitefield's preaching

threw
A saving charm o'er sinners called,
And all his listeners enthralled,
Doth silver speech her power renew
In world-famed Chauncey M. Depew.

So rested in their winter camp

The army, and with reflection stamp

Unbearable their tardy pay.

To their memorial delay

And empty promises are given.

By the congress, till onward driven

A mutiny seems ripe and near.

Bold Armstrong calls a meeting here

Within the camp of officers

For measures as occasion offers.

But Washington censures the call

Disorderly, and to forestall

Disaster bids the chieftains meet.

With words dignified and discreet

And sympathetic the revolt

In bud he nips, and spent the bolt

Seditious falls. Wise words enhance

Again the stoop of Hasbrouck's manse,

Where he the speech of power writ,

As rosy June there sees him sit,

And governors of the states address

Upon the prevalent distress

Throughout the body politic,

With feeble constitution sick.

In later day a gifted child

Of letters hath in Idlewild

With rhythmic power brought delight,

As Willis thrilled his lyre, and sight

386

REVOLUTIONARY NEWBURGH

Of highland scenes with golden glow
Illumed the storied page of Roe.

XI.

Peace ! peace ! for this the warring world
Contends and waits. The flag unfurled
In blood at Lexington, eight years
Thereafter at Newburgh appears,
.With peaceful acclamations hailed.
In diplomatic Paris failed
Not our statesmen to negotiate
The independence of the state.
Adams, Franklin, Jay, and Laurens
Write peace and greatness with their

pens
For us ; while Oswald, Fitzherbert,
And Strachey sign for Britain's hurt
And weal the day November ends.
Concord, white-winged, her journey

wends
Westward ; and congress, glad at peace,
Bids tell hostilities shall cease.
The army lines the Hudson's banks
With burnished arms in serried ranks,
And banners floating in the air.
Arms they present, and lo ! the blare
Of cannon roars reverberant
From West Point near ; with fiery chant
Of joy in musket volleys rolled
Along the lines. The camp a fold
Of worshippers in temple walls
Becomes ; in prayer, lowly knelt, falls
The reverent host, whilst Gano prays,
Adoring the Ancient of days,
Jehovah Saboath, God of victory.
The supplication ended, see !
The risen host with music stilled,
As Billings' joyous anthem thrilled
The balmy April peaceful air.
The speeding day the patriots wear
Away with feasts and social joy
Till Eve her mantle gathers coy

And sombre round Day's loveliness.
Up from the south the warning stress
Of booming cannon sounds to arms,
And thrice along the line the charms
Of martial joy in lightning flash
Are loudly pealed around to dash
In thundered waves upon the hills,
Whilst ruby light the heaven fills.
Forth from the shrouded mountain peaks
Each beacon fire its message speaks
No more of danger, but of peace.
Nor shall the glowing summits cease
To light and cheer till they have rolled
Their radiance with tidings told
From town to town, from state to state,
From Newburgh at the Highland gate
To Lexington the famed and great,
Where sturdy patriots took their stand,
And fired the shot that freed the land.

XII.

With white-winged peace to war fare-
well !
Now dissolution sounds the knell
Of old association strong
And precious for the army long
Enrolled and led to conflict fierce,
Or steadfast when disasters pierce
The waiting heart. To keep alive
These memories, though peace may drive
O'er all the land dispersed the sons
Of Mars, the chieftains meet by Hudson's
Broad stream at Steuben's quarters,

placed
In Verplanck's house, that Fishkill faced,
And organize a band maintained
To-day by their first-born. They feigned
No secret purpose proud, averse
To liberty, but would rehearse
The cause of freedom, foster love
Of union, honor, and above
The lapse of time a brotherhood.

REVOLUTIONARY NEWBURGH

38;

A name revered of hardihood
In danger, but in peace return
To civic toil they choose, and learn
From Roman Cincinnatus grand
To save and serve a grateful land.
Their chosen president is one
Like him of old, e'en Washington.

XIII.

Now Newburgh, shorn of olden arms,
Adorns herself with growing charms,
And Hasbrouck's house as sacred keeps.
There Uzal Knapp, last guardsman,

sleeps
In honor near the staff where Scott
Flung to the breeze the flag, whose spot
Of slavery has been erased.
A hundred years increasing graced
The land with power, but unforgot
The highland memories slumber not.
The solid tower of victory
Commemorates the chivalry,
And prose and verse the pageantry
That celebration kept of days'
Past excellence that passes praise.

And in that year a social bond
Was knit of recollection fond
And patriotic by the sons
Of Revolution Washingtons.

XIV.

With remnants of the famous host
The hero leads to southern coast
And city by the sea the way
Victorious, as Britain's day
Of power wanes, and darkling sets ;
And in New York his .farewell wets
The eyes of all with painful tears.
Before the congress he appears
To lay his sword, and then retires
At home to rest, until desires
Of union and of government
Recall the chief to represent
The nation in the chair of state.
Secure foundations of the great
And glorious future he had laid
When Time's fast flight but a decade
Of brief years had encircling sped,
And taken from the land its head.
A halo rests round his person,
And freedom knows one Washington.

November 23, 1889.

THE LIBRARY OF A PHILADELPHIA ANTIQUARIAN

SOME OF ITS HISTORIC TREASURES

This is a bustling, iconoclastic, practical age. Every department of
life is becoming intensely secularized, and antiquarians have little favor
shown them. Still, here and there, are some quiet nooks where they can
breathe their native air and feel thoroughly at home. A certain private
library in Philadelphia is such a retreat, although but little known, as its
owner avoids publicity, and in this sketch commands the writer to main-
tain for him his incognito. Its formation has been the labor of years,
involving much research and exacting study, such as collectors only can
understand and appreciate.

" Americana " is its specialty, but the collection is by no means lim-
ited to this branch of literature and learning ; it embraces other works of
great historic value. A glance along its shelves reveals to the visitor the
fact that modern books in gaudy covers are notably absent, while old
time-stained and original bindings are seen on every side. The earliest
printed book we find is a copy of The Epistles of Phalaris, quarto, vellum,
dated 1475, in excellent preservation, and almost as fresh as when first
produced, seventeen years before the discovery of America by Columbus.
The next is a beautiful copy of The Soliloquy of a General and Penitetit
Sinner, in Seven Penitential Psalms, printed at Nuremberg, 1479, m primer
gothic type, with rubricated capitals, the color of the latter as bright as
when issued ; it is the product of the celebrated mediaeval printer, Creusz-
ner, who has received unbounded praise from all collectors. The execu-
tion of this volume is absolutely perfect, not a flaw to be found in its
typography.

Another antique work of marvelous interest is a small quarto vellum
of Homer 's Iliad in the Italian language, printed in Padua in 1564. The
earliest book in English is " A dyaloge of Syr Thomas More Knyghte :
one of the counsayll of oure souerayne lorde the Kyng and chancellour
of hys duchy of Lancaster. Wherin be treatyd dyuers maters as of the
Veneration and worshyp of ymagys and relyques praying to sayntys and
goyng o pylgrymage. Wyth many othere thyngys touchyng the pestylent
sect of Luther and Tyndale by the tone by gone in Saxony, and by the
totherlaboryd to be brought into England." This is the first edition, small

THE LIBRARY OF A PHILADELPHIA ANTIQUARIAN 389

folio, black letter, " Emprynted by Johannes Rastell at London at the
sygne of the mermayd at Powlys gate 1529." Like many early printed
books, the printer's name, device, and date appear on the last page of the
volume. Johannes Rastell was brother-in-law of Sir Thomas More. This
is an extremely rare volume, and lacks only one page of the preface. It
is understood that the copy in the British Museum is far inferior to this.
A recent writer describes it as a " work of remarkable skill, and has always
been considered by Roman Catholics to be More's greatest achievement."
Strange that such a book should be found in Philadelphia, yet there it
was purchased.

Other gems in the collection are a quarto black letter of great rarity:
The poore mans Garden, wherein are flowers of the Scriptures, and Doc-
tours, very necessary and profitable, by John Northbrook, 1 57 1 , London :
the title is in beautiful filigree border, seldom seen. Its typographical
execution is excellent ; and The Felicitie of Man, or his Summum Bonum,
by Sir Richard Barckley, Knight, London, 1598 : this is the rare first edi-
tion of a book the sentiments of which have always been admired, and
repeatedly quoted. Two relics of the Stuarts keep these volumes com-
pany, first : The New Borne Christian, or a lively Patterne and Perfect
Representation of the Saint Militant and Child of God, by Nicholas
Hunt, London, 163 1 ; a small quarto of four hundred pages. This book
belonged to the unfortunate Charles I., and the royal arms on both the
covers are stamped in gold. The inscription in a quaint hand reads, " A
friendly guifte of the author residinge At Paules' wharfe in Bell Yeard, St.
Peter's parish." It is in the original costly binding save the clasps, which
are missing. The second relic is The Sage Senator, Delineated, by I.
G., Gent, London, 1660," a small unpretending volume, once the property
of Charles II., bearing the stamp on the covers, C. R., surmounted with a
crown. Whether the royal owners ever perused these volumes is an open
question ; certainly they would have been better and wiser had they done
so, and heeded the instructions therein given.

We find here a neat copy of a well-known work, Bishop Burnet's Life
and Death of Sir Matthew Hale, London, 1682. On the fly leaf is written,
John Penn His Book, Pray send it home when read. Its value is enhanced,
because of having been the property of William Penn, and it bears the
Penn arms, inscribed, William Penn, Esq., Proprietor of Pennsylvania, 1703.

The famous Plantin Press is fitly represented in a superbly printed
copy of Ovid, bearing the imprint of " Christophori Plantini, Antwerp,
1583," in excellent preservation, and perfect throughout. An elaborate
article on this renowned printing establishment appeared in Harper's

39° THE LIBRARY OF A PHILADELPHIA ANTIQUARIAN

Monthly for August, 1890. From Scotland is a finely printed edition of
Gray's Poems, from the press of Robert and Andrew Foulis, Glasgow,
1768. It is bound in contemporary green calf, and delicately tooled, a
beautiful specimen of the binder's art. The 'type is large — especially
made for this work. It was this Foulis press that printed the " immacu-
late Horace," the sheets of which were hung up in Glasgow University,
and a reward of ^20 offered to any one who should discover a single error.
This volume is more interesting, by the enclosure inside the cover of a
veritable twig from that "yew tree," beneath whose shade " heaves the
turf in many a mouldering heap," immortalized in Gray's Elegy.

A Philosophic Treatise of the original and Production of Things, Writ in
America in a Time of Solitudes, by R. Franck, London, 1687, is the title of
an unpretending little book. The author was a captain in the parliamen-
tary army, a mystic, and deeply tinged with Jacob Behmen's tenets.
Whereabouts in America this enthusiast settled is not known, but it is
supposed in Pennsylvania. It is an ingenious, weird, metaphysical pro-
duction, and amply repays perusal. It is excessively rare, and thus far
but one other copy is known to exist in America — in possession of the
Long Island Historical Society. The Baviad and Mceviad, by Gifford,
interesting as the American edition, printed in Philadelphia for William
Cobbett, 1799, bears the following inscription in Cobbett's own writing:
" To William Gifford Esq. This copy of his admired poem is most respect-
full)' presented by his obedient servant, William Cobbett, the Publisher."
It contains also the autograph of William Gifford. Another valuable and
interesting work is the original, uncxpurgated edition of William Penn's
Sandy Foundation Shaken, London, 1668, for the heretical doctrines of
which the bishop of London threw the unlucky author in jail. Its senti-
ments are unmistakable. It is significant that the Orthodox Friends con-
demn this treatise, and say little about it as possible, while the Hicksites,
on the contrary, indorse and still circulate it. It has passed through sev-
eral editions, modified to avoid offense. It is certainly far from evangelical
and would not receive the sanction of our leading religious bodies. Penn
was only twenty-four when he wrote it, young in years as well as theology,
and like many authors of that era too much inclined to mysticism and
ambiguity.

A copy of Baskerville's Royal Folio Bible, 1763, is one of the finest
specimens of printing ever issued from the English press. The binding in
this instance, however, is its chief attraction. It is doubtful if there is
such another copy in America, in red morocco, gilt, elaborately tooled.
No such work appears in these days ; in the first place, it would be diffi-

THE LIBRARY OF A PHILADELPHIA ANTIQUARIAN 39*

cult to find competent workmen, and would consume more time in its
manufacture than could now be spared for such purpose. Temples, altars,
angels, high priests in their garments, harps, shawms, trumpets, birds,
crowns, flowers, crosses — all appear marvelously clear and plain in this
binding, arranged in just proportions and positions. The smallest parts
are distinctly delineated. The tooling alone is an interesting study, and
would excite alike the envy and admiration of the bookbinding craft.
It is primer type, and filled with quaint copper-plates, four on a page.
Another of Baskerville's fine imprints is Barclay s Apology, Birmingham,
1765, inscribed : " Deborah Morris, her Book, Presented her by Doctor
John Fothergill." A quaint little volume is the Countess of Moreton's
Book of Prayer Rules, London. 1746. It is from this manual that Horace
Walpole quotes the words, " Will thou hunt after a flea? " It is found
in the 13th Prayer for Pardon. A copy of the Works of St. Everemond,
London, 1728, shows the armorial book plate of their early owner, the
gifted Cowper, with the inscription : " Fax Mentis Honestcz Glori, William
Cowper, Esq., Clerk of the Parliaments." The Travels of Cyrus, with the
autograph of Brian Fairfax, the friend of Washington, and the Fairfax
arms and motto, " Fare-Fac." Two " Breeches " Bibles are here. One,
" Imprinted at London by Christopher Barker, Printer to the Queens Most
Excellent Majestie, 1586," retaining the original embossed clasps; the
other, printed by Robert Barker, 161 1, contains the paragraph: "And
they sewed figge tree leaves together, and made themselves breeches."
Both Bibles have the words " buggerers." See 1st Corinth, v. 9. An
Epistle to All that profess the Light of Jesus Christ within To be their
Guide. By John Crooke, London, 1678, is a quaint Quaker tract. It is
not generally known that some of the early Friends were strongly opposed
to William Penn, because, to use the language of one of the malcontents,
" he was more a scholar than a saint." Crooke was one of these, and in
this tract uses the following language respecting Penn : " For from thence,
a remnant came unto the ministration of the Prophets : therefore glorying
and pride got up in these. Boasting in the Gifted Man, soon forgetting
all dependance upon the opener." And yet had not such educated men
as Penn and Barclay given tone and shape to early Quakerism what would
it have come to ?

The library has a large collection of " secret memoirs," which would
require too much space for extended notice. An English author says of
this class of literature : " Books of which the principles are diseased or
deformed, must be kept on the shelf of the scholar, as the man of science
preserves monsters in glasses. They belong to the study of the mind's

392 THE LIBRARY OF A PHILADELPHIA ANTIQUARIAN

morbid anatomy." Of these memoirs The Life of Mrs. Robertson, a grand-
daughter of Charles II., who was reduced from splendid affluence to the
greatest poverty, Derby, 179 1, is a sad and touching narrative. There is a
complete set of the celebrated Annesley case, or the Memoirs of an Unfor-
tunate Young Nobleman, returned from Thirteen years Slavery in America,
1742, the first volume of which is frequently met with, and is supposed to
end the story; but, including the trial account, comprises three volumes.
Connected with these are divers pamphlets on the subject. There was a
few years ago, in possession of a physician in Lancaster county, a portion
of a woman's skull, the daughter of an early settler, who, but for the un-
timely death of her lover, would have been the wife of this same " young
nobleman." She was the mother of his child, and on his departure from
Philadelphia to establish his claim as Lord Altham, he promised an early
return to marry her. He died suddenly in London, and the sad event
unbalanced the girl's mind, and three years later she also died, a hopeless
maniac. The boy grew up and was killed in a frontier Indian battle.
Here is also the History in Miniature of the celebrated Clarissa Harlowe,
Familiarized and Adapted to the Capacities of Youth, printed in Coopers-
town, New York, in 1795, one of the earliest productions of its kind in
the country, and no small undertaking in a little remote country town
ninety-five years ago.

In the Americana of our antiquarian may be particularly mentioned, the
three Sower Bibles, quarto, 1743, 1763, 1776; different editions of the
Sower Testaments; the scarce Ephrata Testament of 1787; and the
famous " Aitken " Bible for which there is now such a craze. As there is
an increasing demand and a decreasing supply the result may be easily
divined. If this little volume depended simply upon the paper and typog-
raphy for its reputation it would soon be thrown aside. The paper is flimsy
and the type by no means sharp or clear; yet it marks an interesting
event in our history, and honest Robert Aitken little thought how he
immortalized himself when publishing it. " Aitken imprints " are now
eagerly sought by Philadelphia collectors. Among them in this collection
are the scarce Psalms of David, in metre, 1783; Fletcher s Appeal, 1794;
The Character, Manner, and Genius of Women, 1774; Crook in the Lot,
1792 ; Blair' *s Lectures, quarto boards, uncut, 1784; The Mourner, 1781, once
the property of John Dickinson, containing his autograph ; the Hall and
Sellers Testament, 1780, of which at present but one other copy is known
to exist in Philadelphia, in the library of an eminent collector ; a copy, in
the original red morocco binding, of the " Proposed " Book of Common
Prayer, Philadelphia, 1786, whose history is too well known to be repeated ;

THE LIBRARY OF A PHILADELPHIA ANTIQUARIAN 393

the London edition of the same, of which only fifty copies were printed
for the English Bishops ;, and another rarity is Doctor Franklin's personal
copy of the English Prayer Book, with his manuscript alterations and
amendments, in his well-known hand.

The history of this last-named volume is curious. While in England
in 1773 Franklin made the acquaintance of Sir Francis Dashwood, after-
ward Lord De Spencer. It was this nobleman who, with Wilkes, Dodd-
ington, and other libertines as bad as himself, established the order of
mock monks of St. Francis at Medmenham Abbey. Their orgies were
too shocking to be mentioned. Eventually De Spencer in a measure
reformed and turned his attention to "improving" the Book of Common
Prayer, and requested Franklin's assistance in the wonderful undertaking.
In 1773 the joint results of their labors appeared, entitled " An Abridge-
ment of the Book of Common Prayer and Administration of the Sacra-
ments," etc., etc., London, 1773. Says Franklin, in his Autobiography :
u The book was printed for Wilkie, in St. Paul's Churchyard, but never much
noticed. Some were given away, very few sold, and I suppose the bulk
became waste paper." Of course in England it met with no favor what-
ever, but in America, when the proposed book was in preparation, some
of Franklin's changes were adopted. Many years ago there was a copy in
possession of Bishop White ; later, Bishop Stevens had one, and the library
of Congress another. The writer does not know of the existence of any
more. The copy referred to in this collection is unique, being, of course,
Franklin's original part of the revision. Franklin, always a radical in
religious matters, made fearful havoc in his alterations. Column after
column of the calendar disappeared with a single stroke of the pen —
nearly the whole of the Exhortation, a portion of the Confession, all the
Absolution, nearly all the Venite, exultemus Domino. Likewise, the Te
Deum, and all the Canticle. Of the Creed all he retained was the fol-
lowing: "I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of Heaven and
Earth, and in Jesus Christ His Son our Lord. I believe in the Holy Ghost,
the forgiveness of sins, and the life everlasting, Amen." The copy used
by Franklin is an ordinary i2mo, Oxford edition, 1745, printed by
Thomas Baskett.

In connection with this should be mentioned a copy of An Apology for
Professing the Religion of Nature, London, 1789, containing the Liturgy
composed jointly by Franklin and David Williams, the latter as much an
infidel as Franklin himself. The doctor, after his terrible castigation at
the hands of Lord Wtdderburn, took refuge in the house of Williams,
who from a dissenting minister became a Deist, and sought diversion in

Vol. XXIV.-No. 5.-26

394 'm,': LIBRARY OF A PHILADELPHIA ANTIQUARIAN

this second theological episode. Among other Liturgies are the early
editions of Common Prayer, 1790-91, etc., and the King's Chapel, Boston,
1785 (Unitarian version).

A copy of Memoir es sur la vie et les Ouvrages de M. Turgot, Philadel-
phia, 1782, Charles Thomson's personal copy, with his autograph, and man-
uscript notes in French, is singularly interesting. Was this actually printed
in Philadelphia? A kindred work stands alongside, Wakefield's Translation
of the New Testament, also Charles Thomson's personal copy, with his man-
uscript notes, doubtless in reference to his Septuagint. Here is An Enquiry
into the Duties of the Female Sex, by Thomas Gisborne, Philadelphia, 1798,
with the following inscription on the fly-leaves in the handwriting of the
heroic and lamented General Pike, who fell at the siege of York, Canada, in
1813 : " Zebn, Monty. Pike's compliments to Miss Dick and begs she will
accept this small token of his esteem. I will not assert that the sentiments
contain'd in this Treatise is the most exalted, pure, or instructive, but from
the title should suppose it altogether worthy the attention of a young lady
of virtue and reflection. I well know, Miss, there is not many young
ladys of my acquaintance would take the trouble to peruse it, but I have
formed so high an oppinion of your good sense that I think you would
not think anything to tedious by which you could either reape profit or
interesting amusement. It is a maxim amongst the young gentlemen of
the age that to address a young lady on the score of her talents and mental
accomplishments is a ready way of insulting her, but I have taken the
liberty to breake through the rule with you.

N. B. — As 1 have never peruVd this book, if it should not cither hold
good with your judgment or inclination you cannot censure me. Excuse
this scrawle."

We notice ,1 small, insignificant book, entitled, " A Philosophical Analysis
and Illustration of some cf Shakespeare's Remarkable Characters. To which
is added an Essay on the Faults of Shakespeare, by W. Richardson, Esq.,
Professor of Humanity in the University of Glasgow, Philadelphia. Printed
by William Spotswood, 1 788." This is believed to be the first strictly
Shakespearian work published in the United States. The first complete
American edition of Shakespeare S works was published in Philadelphia in
1796. We find here also a little pocket Calendrier Republican, Philadelphia,
De l'imprimerie de Benj : Franklin Bachc, 1797, in its original blue
paper binding. The printer was a fiery Jacobin, a grandson cf " Poor
Richard " and rich Benjamin. There is a pocket almanac printed by
Franklin, Philadelphia, 1747 ; and a singular book, Proposals to amend and
perfect the Policy of the Government of the United States of America, or, the

THE LIBRARY OF A PHILADELPHIA ANTIQUARIAN 195

Fulfilling of i lif Prophecies in the In tier days, Commenced by the Independence
0/ America, "Philadelphia, 17K2, its authoi unknown. il< quotes Daniel
and Revelations, and tries to prove his work by theirs, 01 theirs by his, .1 1
the readei may besl judge,

The fust American edition of Milton's poems, published in Philadelphia
by Robert Bell, 1777, is one of ili" raresl early American publications of its
kind. Bell's store was in the street adjoining St. Paul's Chun h, where he is
sued a large list of the standard books o! the day. He must have been a bold

and enterprising man, ha vine <'.re.il confidence nol only in !iinr,< II but in I In-

public to have thus launched oui in the publishing business, when readers
were few, books costly, the Revolution commencing, and the public mind
absorbed in thai momentous question to the exclusion ol all else. Bell's
books are a lasting monument of his industry and perseverance, as well as
ih ni spe< imens of the workmanship '»f thai period.
Select pieces on commerce, morality, history, etc, etc, once the property
of the Marquis Corn wallis, with his armorial book plate and motto virtus,
vincit, invidiam, is a quainl octavo volume The first American edi
tion of Arabian Nights is here, two small; dingy volumes, Philadelphia,
1794. When compared with the elegant modern editions the difference
is almost incredible. A large number of books from the library ol John
Di< k 1 us on, ea< h with his autograph, arc noticeable, among wlm h are Paley'i
Evidences, with Dickinson's notes on the margins. Also tie- Journal of
Thomas Chalk ley, printed by Franklin and Hall, Philadelphia, 1749. Be-
sides those named are scores of work, of lessei note, chiefly before [800,

all i I lust rat ive of our early hi story, including l'< n n sylvan la inland impi ml ,

at Carlisle, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Washington, etc., etc., and a large col
iection of early American classics, some beyond a century old.

Leaving the books, a passing allusion mir.i b< made to divers interesting
historical documents. Theoriginal agreement, in German, of the Frank-
fort Land Company and the settlement ol German town, executed m Frank
fort-on-t he-Main, Nov. 12, 1686, and signed by the members and duly

sealed, is in excellenl preservation. The original indictment for felonious
assault of that gay Lothario and roue\ Frederick, the seventh and last
Lord Baltimore, is written on a large vellum sheet, indorsed Acquittal*
This was one of the great London scandals of the day, in 176%, and the
trial fully reveals the baseness and depravity of this titled scapegrace. As
he was the last, so he was the worst, of the Baltimore .

Theoriginal warrant, is lure signed by George III. and countersigned
by Lord-, Bute and North, July 9, 1762, for the payment of £6,952 for tie-
use of the troops under M on (J; ton and Amies st. Also tie- Original H ■' >

396 THE LIBRARY OF A PHILADELPHIA ANTIQUARIAN

lutions of Congress signed by Charles Thomson, requesting the States of
New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut to furnish weekly one
thousand head of cattle for the use of the army. The original commis-
sion to Admiral Rodney, appointing him commander in chief of the fleet
to be employed about Jamaica and the Mississippi, to Cape Florida,
signed by the Admiralty, January 23, 177 1. The original commission,
signed by George II., to the ill-fated General Braddock, appointing him
lieutenant-colonel of the second regiment of Foot Guards, November 21,
1745. And the original commission, appointing George Johnstone Cap-
tain of the Romney. Captain Johnstone was connected with Lords Auck-
land, Carlisle, and Eden, the commissioners who attempted negotiations
with Congress in 1778. It was this same Captain Johnstone of whom so
much has been said, respecting his alleged attempt to bribe General
Joseph Reed. Exceptionally interesting is the original manuscript agree-
ment between Elias Boudinot and John Cleves Symmes for the transfer
of two million acres of land in southwest Ohio, March 12, 1788, signed by
both parties. Also the original account current between Dr. Franklin and
his partner, David Hall, dated Philadelphia, February 1, 1766, showing a
balance due the latter of ^993 n. 6. This valuable document is made
up with the greatest exactness ; every detail, apparently, being given. It
is closely written, and would fill two sheets foolscap. Some of the items
are particularly interesting, as for instance, from 1752 to 1 761, there were
sent to Rhode Island by " B. F's orders," the large quantity of four thou-
sand " Poor Richard Almanacks," and one thousand and nine hundred
" Pocket Almanacks." " Cash paid for Baskerville Bible for Miss Sally,
gilt in Turkey ;£io. Cash paid for Printing 300 copies of a Petition to
the King £2 19. 9. Account of Almanacks printed and sold by D. Hall
from 1752 to 1765.

Poor Richard's 141,257 @ 4a7. £2213

Pocket Ditto 25,735 @ 6<£ 643 7. 6

German Ditto 5,187 @ 3^ 69 11. 9

Account of Primers printed from 1749 to 1765, being 35, ICO at 2\d. each
.£365 12. 6. 4000 Catechisms ^"75. Account of 9771 Poor Richards
Almanacks for 1766, and 1000 Pocket Almanacks for £187 17."

Some idea may thus be formed of the enormous circulation of these
" Almanacks." Little did Franklin then think of the high prices now
paid for these by collectors. Accompanying the account is a* long letter
from David Hall urging Franklin to settle the amount due, ^993 11.6,
without delay, stating that he had already written him two letters to which
he had received no reply; adding, "As we are now both growing old fast,

THE LIBRARY OF A PHILADELPHIA ANTIQUARIAN 397

and one, or both, may be taken off before the settlement is accomplished,
I think nothing further need be said, etc., etc., etc.

Yours most affectionately, David Hall."

The letter is directed to " Benjamin Franklin, Esq., at Mrs. Stevenson's
in Craven Street, London." Whether this long-standing indebtedness
was ever paid, is not known. Franklin's ledgers, if still in existence, might
however throw some light into this suspicious darkness. Another Franklin
relic is an original receipt in Franklin's handwriting. " Phila. Nov. 8, 1756.
Received of Mr. Thomas Parke Ten shillings for one year's Gazette.

Franklin and Hall."

As the Anti-Lottery Bill has recently been passed by Congress, the fol-
lowing, copied from the original lottery ticket in this collection, marks the
revolution of the wheel of time and change of public opinion. " United
States Lottery Ticket. Class the Third. This Ticket entitles the Bearer
to receive such Prize as may be drawn against its Number, according to a
resolution of congress, passed at Philadelphia, November 18, 1776.

G. Campbell."

Among a number of interesting Penn deeds is one for one thousand
and eighty-four acres now in the city limits, the boundaries of which may
be nearly traced as follows : starting from Ridge avenue and Fairmount
avenue- thence along. Fairmount avenue to the park, through the park to
the Schuylkill, up the Schuylkill to a point a short distance above the
bridge at Belmont, northeast to Ridge avenue, and thence down the same
to the starting point named. The deed was executed July 10, 1718, by
James Logan, Richard Hill and Isaac Norris. The price paid for this
magnificent domain was ;£ 1,262 13. 04. As will be seen, it embraces
Lemon Hill, Girard College, and the site of Francisvilie-^the finest por-
tion of the city.

Another deed signed by William Penn for a tract of one hundred acres
on Crum creek and the Delaware river, was issued to Neals Matson. It
was Margaret, the wife of this Neals Matson, who figured as defendant
in the only trial for witchcraft that ever occurred in Pennsylvania.
There is also a deed signed by Governor Dickinson for two lots on
Market street near Ninth street December 10, 1783, with the singular ten-
ure, " Paying into the Treasury, on the First Day of September in every
year hereafter, one acorn if the same shall be demanded." We find a
peculiarly worded deed for one ninetieth part of the Province of West Jer-
sey, twenty-seven thousand acres, signed by William Penn and the other

398

THE LIBRARY OF A PHILADELPHIA ANTIQUARIAN

trustees. This comprises two parchments joined — nearly six feet by five
in size. " A Survey of the Northern Neck of Virginia/' beautifully printed
in copper-plate on vellum, exhibits the grant to Lord Fairfax, with the
Fairfax arms — an original impression. This grant embraced five million
acres, all the property of one individual, and not one acre of which is
now owned by the family. Accompanying this is the deed for a tract of
land signed by my Lord Fairfax, and an original copy of " Ogilby's Map
of Maryland, 1671," showing that Lord Baltimore's grant extended to the
41st degree of north latitude, which, of course, includes the site of Phila-
delphia, and for which Baltimore so strenuously contended.

The wealth of this collection is very great, but our limits prevent fur-
ther description at this time. If all the private collections in Philadel-
phia and New York could be placed on exhibition it would be useful to
the student, the author, the historian, and to the antiquarian a feast
indeed.

(^ Cy^^^

Philadelphia, Pa.

MINOR TOPICS
THE LITERATURE OF CALIFORNIA

The following extracts from the latest volume just issued of the works of
Hubert Howe Bancroft, Essays and Miscellany, vol. xxxviii., will interest a wide
circle of readers. Mr. Bancroft writes :

" California has no rich aboriginal sources from which to gather inspiration and
prestige for her literature ; nothing beyond some puerile hieroglyphics on rock
walls, and a few vague myths concerning faded tribes, and geographic points of
interest, half intimated in the musical names transmitted to us. Nearly all the
pre-American history of California, extending over three quarters of a century, turns
on the missions ; yet to this period and features little attention has been given by
the new occupants, as compared with the flood of information on the decade
beginning with 1846. This is pardonable in view of the stirring incidents herein
grouped ; but as their splendor passed, and observers recovered somewhat from the
dazzling effect, they reverted to the quieter scenes of the past, round the cradle of
their state, and saw there the heroic struggles of self-sacrificing friars, braving
danger and enduring hardship for the saving of souls and the planting of civiliza-
tion. Thousands of rude beings were undoubtedly made better and happier, even
if they served mainly as stepping-stones for colonization ; and thousands of some-
what higher beings were lifted to comfort and enjoyment in the farms and towns
that sprang up along the path of the cross. This was the wand that transformed
a wilderness into a flourishing territory.

The country did not possess a press until 1833 ; and of its productions, less
than three score in all, seven attained to the respectability of book-form. . . .
With the occupation of California by Americans, it was not long before the char-
acteristic newspaper presented itself, beginning at Monterey on August 15, 1846,
with the Califomian, under the auspices of Walter Colton, chaplain of the United
States frigate Congress, and Robert Semple. It was not an imposing specimen in
its foolscap size, printed on rough paper with worn and deficient type, and with
the rickety California press of 1833, now rescued from a garret. . . . Jour-
nalistic enterprise in California is commensurate with the phenomenal rise of the
country. No state in the Union can now show so large an average of newspaper
circulation among its inhabitants.

No country has probably roused so sudden, widespread, and intense an interest
as did California when reports of her gold-beds flashed through the world. The
discovery of Columbus did not attract half the attention ; and the invasions of the
Tartar and Crescent hordes failed to create the same excitement, even in Europe,

400 MINOR TOPICS

partly because news traveled slowly in those days, and overspread the world so
gradually as to lose its effect. What scenes, what incidents, what budding fancies
are not associated with this last great hegira and its halt at this earth's end ! Books
innumerable have alluded to, or dwelt at length on, these romantic phases ; and
not a periodical out of the thousands existing but has added to the halo sur-
rounding the name of California. The most valuable of all material for the history
of California lies in the thousand manuscript dictations and experience of those who
helped to make the history of the country, and which I have been accumulating
during the last quarter of a century. Many of the early settlers wrote or dictated
matter which swelled into ponderous works, sometimes of four or five volumes, and
covering all subjects, from sober history to romantic tales ; from reviews of natural
features and industrial resources to social types and amenities. Some, like Salva-
dor the Indian fighter, and Amador, a name commemorated in that of a country,
tell their story in the blunt style of the mountaineer and soldier ; others, like
Vicente Gomez, rely on pointed anecdotes and racy humor ; still others are in-
tent on certain episodes ; Botello and Coronel on formality of style, at the expense
of freshness and vigor ; while a large number sacrifice essential elements of his-
tory to the feeling of importance which pervades them in being called upon to
estimate men and events. They are, above all, impressed with a desire to perpet-
uate their own achievements, to glorify the ego and proceed with their narrative,
as if truth were an incidental rather than primary requirement. While prolix and
full of details, they care little for exactness, and general ideas and plans are lost
sight of in the aim to apply a certain coloring and to create effect. The humorous
is not neglected, however, and the narratives are frequently enlivened with some
bright sally or good story. But for all this, used with proper care and discrimina-
tion, they constitute the very foundation of California history.

For several years after the gold excitement everything concerning California
was read with avidity, partly interwoven in novels, partly in equally alluring nar-
ratives of travel and life based on personal experiences, more or less colored, and
due chiefly to the pens of eye-witnesses. ... A great proportion of the sev-
eral hundred manuscript contributions to my library by pioneers belongs to this
class of historic biography, dealing more with tangible facts than abstract analysis
or moral influence, but generally relieved by quaint drollery and piquant anec-
dotes. Their value to history is of the highest, bearing as they do on the differ-
ent phases of California's unfolding. Few of such men have even attempted to
give their memoirs in print, their direct or indirect articles in public journals
referring chiefly to episodes. Perhaps the most important contribution among these
is Recollections and Opinions of an Old Pioneer, by Peter H. Burnett, the first gov-
ernor of the state. He describes the hard journey to Oregon and his career there
as judge till the gold excitement lured him to California."

NOTES

401

NOTES

Washington's intellectual
strength — When Washington drew his
sword beneath the Cambridge elm he
stood forth as the first American, the
best type of man that the new world
could produce, with no provincial taint
upon him, and no shadow of the colonial
past clouding his path. It was this great
quality that gave the struggle which he
led a character it would never have
attained without a leader so constituted.
Had he been merely a colonial English-
man, had he not risen at once to the
conception of an American nation, the
world would have looked at us with very
different eyes. It was the splendid dig-
nity of the man, quite as much as his
fighting capacity, which impressed Eu-
rope. Kings and ministers, looking on
dispassionately, soon realized that here
was a really considerable man — no ordi-
nary agitator or revolutionist, but a great
man, on a great stage, with great concep-
tions. To stand forward at the head of
raw armies and of a colonial people as a
national leader, calm, dignified, and far-
seeing, requires not only character, but
intellect of the highest and strongest
kind. — George Washington, by Henry
Cabot Lodge.

An old powder-horn — Found in a
sand-hill, with an early map of New
York state etched upon it. J. D. Lewis
of Geneseo has a unique relic of revolu-
tionary times, which he recently dis-
covered in the possession of a family in
the town of Leicester — a powder-horn
that is believed to have been the property
of some soldier in the army under Gen.

Sullivan, in his historic campaign against
the Five Nations, after the Wyoming
massacre, as it was found in the spot
where the army encamped. The horn
bears evidence of having been in use at
a much earlier period in the colonial
days, and that evidence is what makes
the relic of peculiar interest and value.
According to the story of the family
where Mr. Lewis found it, the horn was
exhumed nearly sixty years ago in a
hillock of sand on the knoll known as
Squakie Hill in the town of Leicester.
It is highly polished, and etched on it is
a map of New York state as it must have
been not less than one hundred and fifty
years ago.

It is not only a map, but has pictorial
features that are interesting as indicating
the situation and surroundings of differ-
ent towns and cities. New York city is
shown with several churches as the most
prominent landmarks. The old-time
Battery and its quaint buildings, with
ships of war at anchor near them in the
harbor, are faithfully depicted. Albany
is shown as a walled or stockaded town,
with a conspicuous building on a hill,
evidently a state house, a fort with the
British flag flying, and here and there a
church. Many forts are shown in the
Mohawk 'valley, all flying the flag of
Great Britain. The principal rivers of
the state are shown with no little accu-
racy, but the lakes of Central New York
do not appear. Oneida lake is on the
map, as are Lakes Ontario, George, and
Champlain, with Ticonderoga, Forts
George and Edward, and Crown Point.
Wherever there is a fort the British flag

402

QUERIES— REPLIES

is flying, and the coat-of-arms of Great
Britain is in one corner, showing that
when the map was etched the state was
still in English possession.

Letters of thomas jefferson —
Paul Leicester Ford of 97 Clark street,
Brooklyn, New York, being engaged in
the preparation of an edition of the writ-
ings of Thomas Jefferson, and desiring

to make it complete as possible, requests
that any one possessing any of Jefferson's
letters or manuscripts, will communicate
with him ; or if such persons will loan
these to Mr. Ford for a few days, he will
guarantee their safe return ; or if they
will have them copied at his expense,
and will enclose a bill, he will most
gratefully pay for the copying, and give
due credit for such assistance in the work.

QUERIES

Author of quotation — Will some
one give me the name of the author of
" To err is human ; to forgive, divine " ?
William Waldo

Rochester, New York.

The oldest of the arts — What is
the oldest art, and where may its earliest
specimens be found ?

M. L. B.

Hartford, Conn.

. REPLIES

First religious periodical pub-
lished in the west [xxiv., 71] — In the
Magazine for March, 1887, page 253,
it is claimed that the Weekly Recorder,
published at Chillicothe, Ohio, was not
only the first religious newspaper in the
West, but in the world, antedating the
Boston Recorder by a year and a half.
The first number, of the first page of
which a fac-simile is given, is dated July
5, 1 8 14. The weekly issue of the paper
is stated to have " continued without
interruption, though with several changes
of name and one change of place, being
now the Presbyterian Banner and
Weekly Recorder of Pittsburgh, Penn.,
now in its seventy-third volume."

D. F. L.

Manchester, Mass.

The battle of nations [xxiv., 232,
325] — There have been two Battles of

Nations in modern history ; one fought
a.d. 45 1, and the other on the 16th. 17th,
1 8th, and 19th October, 18 13, although
in reality all of the hard fighting was con-
fined to three days. The 17th, Sunday,
was a day of comparative rest. This,
known as the battle of Leipsic, is famil-
iar to all historians as the u Volker-
Schlacht," or " Battle of the Nations."

The first Battle of Nations, a.d. 451
(for which see as the most accessible
authority Gibbon, iii. 437, 433, etc.)
was fought on the Campi Catalaunici,
somewhere near the present Chalons-sur-
Marne, between Attila and ^Etius. The
exact date is not known, but — to use the
Biblical expression — it was " fought at
the time when kings go forth to battle "
(2 Samuel, xi. 1 ; 1 Chronicles, xxi.
1). Most likely it was in the summer,
because the Huns, having no magazines,
had to wait until the spring grass had

REPLIES

403

grown sufficiently to nourish in some
degree their " whirlwinds of cavalry."
Consequently late spring and summer
was the most fitting season for Hunnish
campaigning. Attila had carried on his
operations, capturing towns and wasting
the country as he swept westwards,
until he brought up before Orleans,
which he was still besieging when the
relieving army made its appearance.
Attila then retreated, drawing to him all
his scattered detachments, until he
gained the vast plains of Champagne,
best fitted for the evolutions of his
enormous masses of cavalry. He dis-
played the highest kind of strategical
ability in the retreat, concentration, and
selection of the ground on which to fight
out what he knew must be a conflict
decisive of his career. Attila had under
him as many, if not more, distinct
nationalities as Napoleon carried with
him into Russia, and ^Etius commanded
almost as many different peoples. There
were troops who fought against each
other as at Leipsic, belonging to the
same nationalities, present in both
armies ; for example, Franks under two
opposing brothers, and Goths under
every one of these distinctive appella-
tions.

When Bonaparte invaded Russia, in
181 2, the enormous force that he com-
manded was styled " the army of twenty
nations," and representatives of all these
were still with him until after Leipsic,
perhaps throughout 1813. His army
contained French, Italians (Neapolitans
or Sicilians, Romans, Tuscans, Vene-
tians, Lombards, Piedmontese or Sar-
dinians), Germans (Prussians, Austri-
ans, Rheinbund — Confederation of the

Rhine — Wurtembergers, Badeners, Ba-
varians, Westphalians, Hessians, Meck-
lenburgers, Saxons, Pomeranians, who
previous to his absorption of their coun-
try had been Swedish subjects), Poles,
Danes, Dutch, or Hollanders, Belgians,
Swiss, inhabitants of the eastern coast
of the Adriatic (who, using a generic
epithet, might not improperly be styled
Dalmatians, since he made Marshal
Marmont Duke of Dalmatia), Spaniards,
Portuguese, etc. Opposed to him at
Leipsic were Russians, comprising a
number of races from remote Central
Asia and from Siberia — some armed
with bows and arrows — Poles, Prussians,
Austrians, Swedes, English (principally
represented by Bogue's rocket-brigade
under Captain Bogue, which struck such
terror into the French with their novel
engines of destruction), and more or less
numerous bodies from other nationalities.

Leipsic, i8i3> may be said to have de-
cided the fate of Napoleon ; and after
Chalons, 451, Attila was the invincible
no more. Consequently Chalons and
Leipsic are both justly to be styled
"Battles of the Nations." Anchor

Tivoli, New York.

Portraits in pastel [xxiv.] — Ac-
cording to the Encyclopedia Britafmtca,
art. " crayon," " The art of painting in
crayons or pastels is supposed to have
originated in Germany in the seventeenth
century." Johann Alexander Thiele
(1685-1752) is said to have "carried it
to a great perfection." So that it ap-
pears very possible that pastels were in
use for painting in England as early as
1650. D. F. L.

Manchester, Mass.

404

SOCIETIES

NEW YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY —

The first meeting of the season was held
on Tuesday evening, October 7, the
Hon. John A. King presiding. Letters
from Prince Bismarck and M. Jules
Simon of the French Academy were read
by the secretary, acknowledging their
election as honorary members. Prince
Bismarck wrote as follows :

" Fredricksruh, July 6, 1890.
Dear Sir :

I have received your kind letter of
the 5 th of last month and the diploma
of the Historical Society. This great
honor is one more proof of that sympathy
which, on the part of so many of your
countrymen, has cheered me during my
political life.

I beg you to accept my sincerest
thanks for your hearty words, and to ex-
press my gratitude to the members of
the society.

v Bismarck.
To Mr. John Bigelow,

Foreign Secretary N. Y. Historical Society ."

A fine copy of the rare first edition of
the Mohawk Prayer Book, printed by
William Bradford in 17 15, was presented
to the society. The librarian, Mr.
Charles Isham, forwarded from Lon-
don as a present to the society the first
five volumes of the elaborate work now
publishing by B. F. Stevens, entitled
Facsimiles of Manuscripts in European
Archives relating to America, 1773-
1783.

A communication from the trustees of
the British Museum was also read, ac-
knowledging the receipt of six artotypes

of a rare specimen of pottery belonging
to the Abbott collection in the museum
of this society. On motion of Dr.
George H. Moore the thanks of the
society were presented to President
King for his liberality in providing the
artotypes of the rare vase for presenta-
tion.

The paper of the evening on " Some
Aspects of the Department of State "
was read by Mr. Theodore F. Dwight,
for many years the well-known librarian
of the state department at Washington.
It was an ably prepared and exceedingly
interesting discourse, touching upon
data of the first importance in the
history of the department since its
organization in a former century, and
the fresh information thus gracefully pre-
sented was highly appreciated by one of
New York's most scholarly and attentive
audiences.

The RHODE island historical so-
ciety held its quarterly meeting on
Tuesday evening, October 7, President
Horatio Rogers in the chair. Reports
of great interest were read, the coming
fortnightly meetings of the society dis-
cussed, papers announced for them,
and the building enterprises of the so-
ciety discussed at length. The meeting
was largely attended, and warm interest
manifested in the work of the society.

THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIA-
TION held its twenty-fifth annual meet-
ing at the United States Hotel, Saratoga
Springs, on the 12th of August, Presi-
dent John H. Starin in the chair.

SOCIETIES

405

Secretary William L. Stone read letters
from Hon. George William Curtis, E. T.
Slocum, Hon. George S. Batcheller, E.
J. Lowell, Hon. Warner Miller, Colonel
D. F. Ritchie, General Horatio Rogers,
Howard Carroll, General S. D. Kirk,
and Mrs. E. H. Walworth, and a tele-
gram from General John Meredith
Read -now in Paris, regretting their
absence from the meeting. The secre-
tary, as chairman of the committee on
design, then presented his report, show-
ing that two bills had during the present
session been introduced into both houses
of congress — the first read twice and
referred to the " committee of the
library," and the second to the " military
committee." Hon. John Sanford's
letter to the secretary giving the status
of both bills was read, and the report
was favorable. Tributes of respect
were paid to Hon. S. S. Cox, John M.
Davison, and George L. Schuyler, de-
ceased since the last meeting. Officers
chosen for the ensuing year are : Presi-
dent, John H. Starin ; vice-presidents,
James M. Marvin and Warner Miller ;
treasurer, D. S. Potter ; secretary,
William L. Stone.

James Grant Wilson, the president of the
society.

After the regular business meeting had
been transacted, an interesting address
on " Mahlon Dickerson of New Jersey,
Industrial Pioneer and Patriot," was de-
livered by J. C. Pumpelly, Esq., which
was frequently applauded. At its close
the thanks of the society were unani-
mously tendered to the orator of the
evening. A number of new members were
added to the roll of the society. During
the past three months there has been
quite an accession of books to the library
shelves.

The new york genealogical and
biographical society held its monthly
meeting on Friday evening, October 10,
which was presided over by General

The Oneida Historical Society
held its first meeting after the summer
vacation, at Utica, on the evening of
September 29, Hon. Charles W. Hutchin-
son in the chair. Dr. M. M. Bagg
announced a valuable addition to the
library, and General Darling spoke of an
album which had been presented by Colo-
nel Watson of Clinton, for the purpose
of collecting the photographs of the
members of the society. Several new
members were announced, and business
of varied character was transacted. It
was stated that Colonel William L. Stone
of New Jersey would speak before the
society on the 27th of October, upon
"The Colonial Newspaper Press of Boston
and New York."

406

BOOK NOTICES

NARRATIVE AND CRITICAL HISTORY
OF AMERICA. Edited by Justin Wjn-
sor. Vol. VIII. The Later History of Brit-
ish, Spanish, and Portuguese America. Royal
8vo, pp. 604. Boston and New York :
Houghton, Mifflin & Company. 1889.
"The Historical Chorography of South
America/' by the Editor, is a notable feature of
the eighth and final volume of this great his-
torical work. Dr. Winsor says : " With the dis-
covery of Magellan, complementing that of
Balboa, the general contour of South America
was pretty well understood ; and the southern
continent of America, long before the northern,
took its place in the new hemisphere with some-
thing like completeness." The explorations are
traced of Pinzon, in the Spanish interests, who
in 1590 sailed into that fresh-water sea which the
Amazon spreads into the ocean, and filled his
water-casks, while yet no land was in sight ; also
those of Diego de Lepe, who added something
to the knowledge of the coast from below St.
Augustine northward. " Meanwhile," says
Dr. Winsor, "the Portuguese had established
the claim under the treaty of the line of demar-
cation which makes Brazil the inheritance of
the house of Braganza." The illustrations
consist of maps in outline chiefly, although
there are some reproductions of antique por-
traits and scenes, the section of a mappe-
monde in gores early in the sixteenth century,
and the curious view of an Antwerp ship. Dr.
Winsor is also the author of an elaborate and
scholarly chapter on " Spanish North America,"
which occupies, with its critical notes, one hun-
dred and four pages in the heart of the volume.
"Canada from 1763 to 1867," by George
Bryce, LL.D., is a contribution of great inter-
est and importance, and is well illustrated with
portraits. In the critical essay which follows,
on the sources of information, is a fine view of
Halifax, and a new map of Nova Scotia. The
chief centres in Canada where important docu-
ments useful to the historian may be found are
mentioned, Ottawa, the Mecca of Canadian
historians, taking first rank ; the new public
library of Toronto ; the Frazer Institute at Mon-
treal ; the young and hopeful "Society for His-
torical Studies," in the same city ; and the most
famous society in Canada, " The Quebec Liter-
ary and Historical Society." "Arctic Explora-
tions in the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centu-
ries," by Charles C. Smith, and the " Hudson
Bay Company," by Rev. George E. Ellis, D.D.,
receive attention in an article in another part
of this magazine. " The Colonial History of
South America, and the Wars for Independ-

ence," by Clements R. Markham, is an ably
prepared and discriminating monograph. He
says : " For more than two centuries and a half
the whole of South America, except Brazil,
settled down under the colonial government of
Spain, and during the greater part of that time
this vast territory was under the rule of the vice-
roys of Peru residing at Lima. The impossi-
bility of conducting an efficient administration
from such a centre, which was separated from
its dependent parts by many hundreds of miles
of mountains, deserts, and forests, at once be-
came apparent."

Perhaps nothing in this noble volume, how-
ever, will be more acceptable to the intelligent
scholar than the Appendix entitled, "The
Manuscript Sources of the History of the United
States of America, with Particular Feference to
the American Revolution." This occupies fifty-
six closely printed pages. It is followed by an
essay on the " Printed Authorities on United
States History," which will also be greatly
prized. The volume closes with "A Chrono-
logical Conspectus of American History," occu-
pying forty-six pages, and an excellent compre-
hensive general index. It was intended that the
work should end at about the middle of the
present century, but in writing of the several
countries some convenient stopping-place had to
be found. Thus it will be noticed that during
the last forty years a few entries in the conspec-
tus show that some events in this later period
have been incidentally touched upon. The fin-
ished work is one of incomparable value to the
scholar and to the country. No library is com-
plete without it. «■

THE WORKS OF HUBERT HOWE BAN-
CROFT. Vol. XXXVIII. Essays and Miscel-
lany. 8vo, pp. 767. San Francisco : The
History Company. 1890. New York, 149
Church street. Frank M. Derby, agent.
In the first essay of this excellent volume, Mr.
Bancroft treats of the characteristics and pro-
ductions of the "Early American Chroniclers,"
the greater part of whom were Spaniards or of
Spanish descent. He concludes that their tes-
timony on ancient affairs taken as a whole,
closely sifted and carefully weighed, is quite as
worthy of credence as that from which history
is usually derived. The fifth essay in this vol-
ume is a treatise on the subject of writing his-
tory, discussing its various aspects ; and the
sixth chapter is devoted to "Criticism." Mr.
Bancroft says : " In no department of literature
is there more skilled humbug employed than in
criticism The critic has a peculiar mission. He

BOOK NOTICES

407

must be wiser than all men, abler than all, and of
more experience than any ; for if he is not he is no
critic. . . . ' I know of no tonic more useful
to a young writer,' says Higginson, ' than to
read carefully in the English reviews of seventy
or eighty years ago the crushing criticisms on
nearly every author of that epoch who has
achieved lasting fame.' Wordsworth attempted
to disparage Goethe without having read him ;
he stigmatized Dryden's music ode as a drunken
song, and held Eurns's productions in profound
contempt. On the other hand, amidst a uni-
versal hiss of scorn, upon the wheels of its sar-
casm the Edinburgh Review broke every poetic
bone in Wordsworth's body."

" Work," " Social Analysis," " Nation Mak-
ing," " Two Sides of a Vexed Question,"
" Mongolianism," and " The Jury System,"
are among the titles of the various essays which
crowd into notice. The latter is one of the
most interesting in the book. In relation to
enforced unanimity among jurors, Mr. Bancroft
relates: "In an- important land case in San
Francisco, which lasted over a month, on retir-
ing to the jury room, probably not more than
one or two of the twelve had determined on
which side their vote would be cast. It hap-
pened that one of the jurors was agent for aline
of steamers, and that the leading attorney for the
defence was counsel for an opposition line.
This wholly irrelevant circumstance prejudiced
the case. In Mariposa, in 1850, court was held
under a tree, and the jury retired to another
tree to deliberate. Under the classic shade was
brought one day an American for assaulting a
Mexican. The trial over, the jury retired.
' Let's hang him,' said-number one. ' Oh, no ! '
replied number two. ' He only stabbed a man ;
we can't hang him for that.' 'Send him to
state prison for life,' put in number three.
' That'll do,' exclaimed half a dozen at once ; and
so it was concluded, all agreeing to it. ' It
seems to be rather hard, after all,' ruminated
number two, as the twelve started back for
the court tree, ' to imprison a man for life for
merely stabbing a Mexican ; besides, where is
your prison?' .' Let's acquit him,' said number
one. ' Agreed,' exclaimed the rest ; and so the
man was set at liberty."

The "Literature of Colonial Mexico" forms
one of the most readable of the chapters. It is
an obscure subject, needing the light thus thrown
upon it. It must be remembered that Mexico
was the first city on the American continent to
own a printing-press and to publish a book.

We have in this little volume the spirited story
of a craze. There have been times of wilder ex-
citement for brief periods, perhaps, but no boom
appears ever to have had in immensity the like
on earth to that which raged for two years in
Southern California within the present decade.
It involved an amount of money almost in-
credible, even to those who were in it. In the
beginning it was spontaneous and apparently
healthy, but presently the idea gained ground
that men could make money out of the wind.
Why should a lifetime be spent in getting rich?
Even farmers caught the fever, and turned pota-
to-patches into town lots for speculation. New
cities were swiftly laid out to order, their princi-
pal resources being climate and scenery. Lots
were sold at constantly increasing prices, from
maps. Buyers never saw them, and never ex-
pected to go near them ; but they did expect to
sell them again to some one else, within thirty
days, for twice what they had paid for them.
"In a boom," says the author, "you can sell
two twenty-five foot lots for considerably more
than you can sell one fifty-foot lot. Smart folks,
who think they know all about human nature,
think they know better than this. But you
will please remember that neither Solomon nor
Shakespeare ever saw a first-class boom. The
success of some of these paper town-sites was
wonderful. At many a sale of the merest trash
buyers stood in a line all night, and fifty dollars,
and even a hundred, were often paid for places
in the line in the morning. The instances in
which two fools met would fill a volume larger
than this." In the high tide of the boom the
millionaires were very numerous. But the col-
lapse was inevitable, and many a man learned
that riches did not necessarily bring wisdom.
The book is written in an engaging style and is
readible throughout.

MILLIONAIRES OF A DAY. An Inside
History of the Great Southern California
Boom. By T. S. Van Dyke. i2mo, pp.
194. New York : Fords, Howard & Hurl-
bert. 1890.

ILLUSTRATED AMERICANA, 1493-1889.

By James F. Hunnewell. Square 8vo, pp.

37. Privately printed. 1890.

The studies which are presented in this beautiful
volume have been read from time to time before
the American Antiquarian Society, by their dis-
tinguished author, who now has reprinted them
in a small edition of one hundred and fifty copies,
for private circulation. Illustrated books on
America form an important as well as interest-
ing department in the history of two continents.
America has had a fair, or what might be called
full, recognition. Various kinds of engravings
have been used in these works, often at great
cost, and they describe buildings which in a
marked way show national progress, and por-
traiture that records much more than the fea-
tures of the subjects, and are a distinct con-
tribution to knowledge. An account of such
productions brought into the compass of this vol-

4o8

BOOK NOTICES

ume will be thoroughly appreciated by collectors
and scholarly readers.

described ; and finally we come to the completed
structure, the government of the United States.
It is a work to be commended with enthusiasm.

CIVIL GOVERNMENT IN THE UNITED
STATES CONSIDERED, WITH. SOME
REFERENCE TO ITS ORIGINS. By
John Fiske. i2mo, pp. 360. Boston and
New York : Houghton, Mifflin & Company.
1890.

In preparing this useful and concise manual,
the author has had in view the historical method
of exposition, and has taken great care to point
out the origin of our political institutions in their
present shape, and show the various steps by
which they have become adapted to the current
conditions. Every institution is the outgrowth
of experience. Government is not a royal mys-
tery, to be shut off, like old Deiokes, by a seven-
fold wall, from the ordinary business of life.
The young should learn to understand it before
they arrive at an age when liable to be called
into its management. Writers And lecturers
are too apt to deal with grand generalities, leav-
ing the pupil with but a confused idea of the
drift of their eloquence. Mr. Fiske, on the con-
trary, touches his themes in a clear, informal
style, comparatively free from ambiguous phrases,
which at once secures the attention and interest
of the reader. He proceeds from the simpler
forms of government to the more complex, arid
introduces questions into his chapters along the
way for the exercise of the expanding mind of
the student, and to send him occasionally outside
the book for further information. One of the
first lessons, the opening chapter indeed, is
about taxation. Children are always hearing of
taxes, but how few can define the term. Noth-
ing could be more desirable than the way in
which the author of this work explains how in
every town some things are done for the benefit
of all the inhabitants — such as building roads,
schoolhouses, cemeteries, etc. — and that taxes
are private property taken for those public pur-
poses. He shows with much force that history
has a practical bearing upon our own every-day
life. We cannot forbear quoting some ex-
amples of the questions he propounds ; for in-
stance, " Under what conditions may taxation
become robbery ? " and, " Is it a misuse of the
funds of a city to provide entertainments for the
people, July 4?" also, "Mention some princi-
ples that history has taught you."

About half the volume is devoted to the study
of the government of town, county, and city ;
then the colonial and state governments are

MARIE LOUISE, AND THE DECADENCE
OF THE EMPIRE. By Imbert de Saint-
Amand. Translated by Thomas Sergeant
Perry. With Portrait. i2mo, pp. 314. New
York: Charles Scribner's Sons. 1890.
The period covered by this volume is the in-
tensely dramatic decline of the French empire,
1812-1814. Marie Louise was on the pinnacle
of her glory in the early summer of 1812. The au-
thor tells us that on " Sunday, July 26, the em-
press received, after mass in the palace, in the
Apollo gallery, the great bodies of state, and
persons who had been presented at court ; then
going into the ball-room, she gave audience,
with her accustomed grace, to the princes who
held high positions, the ministers, the high of-
ficers of the empire, the Grand Eagles of the
Legion of Honor, and the diplomatic body."
But Napoleon had not yet made Marie Louise a
regent. While he was in the heart of Russia
he governed France all the same, directing the
affairs of the vast empire from a distance of
seven hundred leagues. On the 15th of August
the emperor's birthday was celebrated with
great splendor, and the empress made a visit
to the Tuileries, where an enormous crowd
greeted her with enthusiasm. Presently clouds
began to rise and the sky was threatening. Na-
poleon's disasters at Moscow are described by
the author with graphic force : also Malet's con-
spiracy ; Napoleon's retreat from Russia, with
all its misfortunes ; his return to Paris, and meet-
ing with the empress at the Tuileries, on the
evening of the 18th of December ; and the calm-
ness he exhibited in the presence of his minis-
• ters during the next few days. It was an event-
ful year prior to the fighting of the bloodiest
battle of modern times — that of Leipsic — on
which occasion Napoleon was nearly prostrated
with surprise and grief at his defeat. He
dreaded meeting his young wife, in whose eyes
he had now ceased to be the incarnation of suc-
cess. When he came suddenly before her she
burst into tears, trembling with emotion. Then
the little king of Rome was brought, and his
father greeted him so tenderly that every one
was moved by the pathetic spectacle. It was
not long before the emperor was to take an
eternal farewell of his wife and son, and the brill-
iant reign of Marie Louise came to an end.
The story is admirably constructed, and the his-
toric sketches sparkle with life and color.

DAVID HARTLEY, M.P.
HIS HRITANNIC MAJESTY'S MINISTER PLENIPOTENTIARY TO TREAT WITH THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, I783.

MAGAZINE OF AMERICAN HISTORY

Vol. XXIV DECEMBER, 1890 No. 6

THE ANCIENT TOWN OF FORT BENTON IN MONTANA

NAVIGATING THE UPPER MISSOURI RIVER

THERE are few towns in America whose growth in time of peace falls
into periods of such distinct outline that the epoch of transition from
one to the other can be fixed with the precision of a definite date.
All cities have had dissimilar, often remarkable, stages of development.
Bustling activity with its attendant cheer and confidence is followed by
the gloom and depression cf business stagnation, while beneath this sur-
face commotion of " booms " and " collapses " the undercurrent of growth
steadily expands. In most instances these changes are gradual and, at
the time, perhaps imperceptible. To the historian alone, who from the
apex of accumulating years enjoys a kind of bird's-eye view of the past„
is the line of demarkation distinctly visible.

This general rule however finds a prominent exception in the history
of the pioneer town of western Montana. The change from Fort Benton
" the head of navigation " to Fort Benton a simple prairie village — a.
change which involved the future fate of "the little town — was caused by
an event which was not only observed and appreciated at the time, but
was foreseen with apprehension years before.

Railway enterprise long ago laid its hands upon the internal commerce
of this country, an ever-increasing proportion of which it has drawn to
itself from year to year. It has hesitated at no barrier to its extension
except the ocean itself. It has stopped the construction of projected',
canals and has impaired the usefulness of those already constructed. It
has robbed the principal water-ways, like the Great Lakes and the Missis-
sippi, of much of their legitimate traffic, while the business of the smaller-
streams has been practically wiped out of existence. The latter fate has
befallen the once extensive commerce of the upper Missouri river. To
Fort Benton that commerce was admittedly her only raison d'etre, and
when on the 28th day of September, 1887, sne first heard the locomotive
whistle resound among her bluffs, she instinctively felt that a chapter of

Vol. XXIV.-No. 6.-27

410 THE ANCIENT TOWN OF FORT BENTON IN MONTANA

her history was irrevocably closed. But notwithstanding its abrupt ter-
mination, that chapter is a very important one. Few towns, perhaps none
of the small size of Fort Benton, have played so important a part in the
development of the far west. For years prior to the advent of railroads
it was the distributing point for a territory which extended from Wyo-
ming far into the British possessions and west beyond the summits of
the Rockies. Transportation by river, though slow and hazardous, was
infinitely preferable to the slower and more hazardous system of overland
hauling. It was certainly a circumstance of immeasurable value in the
early settlement of that country that a navigable water-course existed
which, without amelioration, would permit extensive shipments into the
very heart of the West.

Fort Benton being the terminus of this line of transportation, the dis-
tributing point for this vast territory, and the export market for whatever
the country produced, enjoyed for nearly a score of years a prosperity
which is rarely the good fortune of so small a place.

The city is built in an open bottom where the bluffs, receding for a
distance from the river, leave a suitable and protected site for the con-
struction of a town. The river is here but a few hundred feet wide, and its
water, flowing over a gravelly bottom, is of great clearness and beauty, in
striking contrast to its turbid condition a hundred miles below. The soil
of the prairies and bluffs is remarkably free from the rock through which
the river both above and below has worn its course. The bluffs, which
along the lower river are miles apart, here frequently approach to within
a few thousand feet of each other, rising precipitously, to a height of
nearly three hundred feet.

The traveler whose curiosity may cause him to explore the river above
Benton will find the valley gradually contracting, the bluffs growing rocky
and more precipitous, and the current more turbulent and rapid. By
the time he has reached the mouth of Belt creek, some thirty-five miles
above Benton, these characteristics are heightened to a great degree. The
bluffs no longer slope, but are perpendicular and jagged. They are no
longer soil, but solid rock. The river valley has contracted to the width
of the river bed, and the dark green color of the water is relieved by thou-
sands of patches of white foam as the rapid current is broken by project-
ing rocks or interrupted by sudden cascades. Finally, as if the limit of
endurance had been reached, relief is found in the presence of a perpen-
dicular fall of eighty-five feet over which the entire river pours itself.
Above the fall the now freer valley soon contracts, again encounters
a fall, another and another and another, until finally it is but a faint

THE ANCIENT TOWN OF FORT BENTON IN MONTANA

411

depression in the prairie.
Here the river flows so
smoothly that, with its
fringe of cottonwoods, it
looks like a placid lake
and gives no intimation of
its frenzied condition a few
miles below. This remark-
able series of cataracts,
which in the space of a
few miles makes an aggre-
gate fall of over five hun-
dred feet, forms the first
serious obstacle to the up-
ward navigation of the
Missouri, and its existence
undoubtedly determined
the location of Fort Ben-
ton.

So far as existing rec-
ords show, this part of
the river was first seen by

THE UPPER MISSOURI RIVER.

RAINBOW FALLS (HIGH WATER).
RAINBOW FALLS (LOW WATER).

412 THE ANCIENT TOWN OF FORT BENTON IN MONTANA

white men in June, 1 805, when it was visited by the famous expedition of
Lewis and Clarke. In the early years of the present century there were
two lines of travel across the continent — the Montreal Fur Traders'
route by way of the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, the Saskatchewan and
Flatbow rivers to the Columbia ; and the New York and St. Louis Fur
Traders' route by way of the Platte river, South Pass, and Lewis Fork to
the Columbia, along which stream both routes extended to the Pacific.
The location of these lines of travel, and the supposed hostility and savage
nature of the Indian tribes between them, caused the intermediate country
to receive very little attention from the early explorers. There can be
little doubt, however, that the country had been entered before the end
of the eighteenth century by the early French explorers, by the Spanish
from New Mexico, and by the adventurous trappers of the Hudson's Bay
Company. It is indeed pretty well settled that Chevalier de la Verendrye,
then French governor of Quebec, with a party of explorers visited this
country in 1743, remaining there nearly a year. However this may be, to
Lewis and Clarke belongs the credit of giving to the world the first
authentic description of the country along the upper Missouri, and their
expedition is the great initial point in that country's history.

Between the date of this expedition and 1827 the upper river was
doubtless frequently explored, for in the latter year a trading-post was
established at the mouth of the Marias river, * about twenty miles below
the present site of Benton. In the following year it was abandoned and
a regular stockaded post built eight miles above and named Fort Mac-
kenzie, which stood fourteen years, and in 1842 was finally abandoned and
burned as the result of a feud with the Blackfeet Indians. From this cir-
cumstance the site of the old fort is still called Fort Brule, or the burned
fort, although, from the fact that the present inhabitants of that region
pronounce the word bruly, as they do the word " coulee " cooly, probably
very few of them have any notion of its origin. The frequent recurrence
of these French names in places where the very existence of the people
who understood that language has almost passed out of memory is a
striking proof of the hardy enterprise of those early explorers. They
were truly the pioneers of the northwest, but their labors and achieve-
ments have alike disappeared, except in the name of some mountain,
lake, or stream, or in those mission schools which the zealous Jesuits
long ago established for the conversion and education of the Indian tribes.

After the abandonment of Fort Mackenzie, a trading-post was estab-
lished in the spring of 1843 at the mouth of the Judith river, one

*The " Marias" of Lewis and Clarke.

THE ANCIENT TOWN OF FORT BENTON IN MONTANA 413

VIEW OF THE ANCIENT TOWN OF FORT BENTON.

hundred and twenty miles below the present site of Fort Benton, and
named Fort Chardron from the trader in charge. It was occupied but
one year, and in 1844 a Post was built in a broad open bottom about
eight miles above the present site of Benton and called Fort Cotton.
In 1846 Fort Cotton was moved a few miles down the river, a stock-
aded post was built, and this in the following year was replaced by
the adobe fort the remains of which are standing at the present day.
The new post was named Fort Benton in honor of Missouri's distin-
guished senator, and from it the town takes its same. These posts all
belonged to the American Fur Company founded by John Jacob Astor,
who after the failure of his Astoria experiment confined his efforts to
those regions drained by the headwaters of the Missouri. At an early
date Astor sold out to Chouteau, Valle & Co. of St. Louis. The Chou-
teaiis, pioneers in St. Louis, are intimately connected with the historic
traditions of the northwest, and the name itself has been given to the
county of which Fort Benton is the capital.

The American Fur Company did not, however, enjoy an undisturbed
monopoly of the fur trade of these regions. It found formidable com-
petitors in the Rocky Mountain Fur Company, organized by General
William Ashley of St. Louis in 1822, and in the Independent Traders,
so called because they belonged to none of the great companies. In
fact, a trading-post called Fort Campbell was built near Fort Benton and

414 THE ANCIENT TOWN OF FORT BENTON IN MONTANA

continued a bitter rival of that post until in i860 it was purchased by
the American Fur Company. The latter company in 1865 sold out its
trade to the great Northwest Company, who in 1877 closed up their busi-
ness and leased the fort to the government.

Such are the principal facts connected with the founding of Fort
Benton and its history as a fur-trading post. Its subsequent history is so
intimately connected with the early navigation of the Missouri river that
a short historical sketch of the latter is necessary to make the former
complete.

The belief in the practicability of extensive navigation of the Missouri
river was, like the belief in all untried enterprises of importance, a matter
of long growth. In the early days following the introduction of steam
navigation on the Mississippi, there wanted not wise heads who pronounced
steamboat navigation of the Missouri river, even as far as Kansas City, a
simple impossibility. But the persistent experimenter, who in the end
always gets the better of the equally persistent doubter, soon showed by
practical demonstration that boats could ascend to Kansas City. The
" head of navigation " was then transferred a little higher up, and again
higher, until it was finally forced to Benton.*

The earlier freight traffic up the Missouri was carried on by the historic
keel-boatmen, who rowed, poled, or cordelled their craft all the way from
St. Louis to the remotest trading-posts. As the steamboat trade pro-
gressed up the river, the keel-boats would recede before it, confining them-
selves to that part of the river not yet reached by the steamboats. The
trade was entirely in the hands of the fur companies, consisting of the
traffic peculiar to that business, and was full of adventures not unmixed
with suffering and misfortune. The Indians, in numberless ambuscades*
picked off the boatmen whose graves now line the banks of the river from
Benton to its mouth. The simple wooden crosses erected to their memory
have long since decayed. Their names are forgotten, and the fact of their
existence is fast becoming a tradition. Occasionally the intrusive pick
crashes into a heap of bones which the workman recognizes as of his own
species. This may arouse some discussion as to their identity, race, and
probable circumstances of interment; then they are flung aside and the
curtain of oblivion closes forever over the memory of the rugged voyageur.

In the year 1 831 the first serious attempt was made to navigate with
steamboats the upper Missouri river. The steamer Yellowstone in the
summer of that year reached Pierre, the site of the present capital of

- The reader will do well to Consult the maps in order to fix the exact location of Fort Benton,
in the memory.

THE ANCIENT TOWN OF FORT BENTON IN MONTANA

415

South Dakota. In the following year the same boat reached Fort Union,
above the mouth of the Yellowstone river. The Assiniboine followed
her in 1833, and the latter boat in 1834 and 1835 reached Poplar creek,
sixty miles higher up. In 1850 the mouth of Milk river was reached. In
1858 the Chippewa was built with special reference to the difficulties of
upper river navigation. She was a stern-wheel boat of light draught, and
with her it was resolved to make a thorough trial of the extreme upper
river. The attempt was successful. The boat reached Fort Brul£, twelve
miles below Benton, on the 17th of July, 1859, f°rty years and two months
aftQr the first steamboat entered the mouth of the Missouri.* On

MISSOURI RIVER STEAMBOAT.

July 2, i860, the Chippewa arrived at Fort Benton, followed a few hours
later by the Spread Eagle. In July, 1868, the Tom Stevens, taking advan-
tage of high water, ascended the river to the mouth of Belt creek, marking
the highest point reached by any steamboat and unquestionably the most
distant point from the sea which a large vessel has ever yet been able to
reach by a single continuous water-course. This point lacks but a few
miles of being four thousand miles by river from the Gulf of Mexico, and
it has been reached by a single river unaided by artificial improvements.

But if the great distance of this point from the mouth of the river
seems surprising, its elevation above the sea is none the less so. Could

* The Independence entered the mouth of the Missouri river May 15, 18 19.

416 THE ANCIENT TOWN OF FORT BENTON IN MONTANA

this vessel have followed the river course to the Gulf of Mexico and have
retained the level of the river at the mouth of Belt creek, she would have
passed about 1,300 feet above the northern Pacific bridge at Bismarck,
2,200 feet above the Eads bridge at St. Louis, and a landing-place of three
times the height of the Eiffel tower in Paris would have barely accommo-
dated her passengers at New Orleans. The river is like a great winding
staircase of so gentle slope that huge boats, weighing with their cargoes a
million pounds each, can climb from the level of the sea to the foot-hills
of the Rockies.

As an example of -inland navigation by a single river, the Mississippi-
Missouri system stands without an equal. Other rivers may indeed excel
it in the navigable capacities of their channels or in the actual amount of
traffic they sustain. The Amazon river with its tributaries will undoubt-
edly form, when its capacities are developed, the most extensive system of
inland navigation in the world. It is a tidal river, and ocean vessels can
ascend it quite to the western frontier of Brazil. Among tideless rivers
the Volga system probably leads in the actual amount of traffic it sustains
— a traffic which equals or exceeds that of all the railroads in Russia com-
bined. But neither of these systems equals our own in the respects above
mentioned.

A person whose knowledge of river navigation is derived entirely from
such magnificent voyages as those from New York to Albany would hardly'
call by the same name the process by which boats are worked up the
Missouri river when the stage of water is beginning to get low. By com-
bining the accounts of loquacious boatmen with a sprinkling of personal
experience, it may nevertheless appear that these voyages, especially when
hostile Indians infested the country and when herds of buffalo and other
game roamed the valleys, were by no means devoid of interest. Let us
follow for a time one of the best river boats making the trip from Bis-
mark to Benton early in July. The annual rise has gone, and the frequent
contact of the vessel with the river-bottom suggests continual doubt as to
the possibility of reaching the destination. The incidents of a day, with
a moderate amplification of detail and personal impressions, might form a
record something like this :

Three o'clock in the morning has scarcely passed when the noise of
preparation resounds throughout the boat. In these high latitudes, and
at this season of the year, morning and evening twilight can almost shake
hands with each other across the narrow abyss of a few hours' darkness.
It is already getting light ; a glance at his watch satisfies the passenger
that, whatever may be the captain's predilections, his own are still in the

THE ANCIENT TOWN OF FORT BENTON IN MONTANA 417

direction of further sleep, which he proposes to get, so far as the noise of
the machinery and the motion of the boat will allow. In this, however, he
is only partially successful, and he soon dresses himself, gets a " boat "
breakfast, and goes up into the pilot-house to bother the captain with
questions and note the progress of the day. It may here be observed that
an upper Missouri steamboat captain is a person of no small importance ;
at least, he so impresses one who is making a first trip up the river. Armed
with an inexhaustible supply of anecdotes and tales of adventure, the
accumulation of the whole race of boatmen for the past twenty years, he
never gives one a moment's respite from the recital of his startling experi-
ences. He is generally a pilot as well as master of the vessel, and fre-
quently takes his place at the wheel. His knowledge of the river seems
to you something marvelous, as his trained eye tells from the varied com-
mixture of ripple and calm the location of the channel, the position of
reefs and snags, as well as the depth of water above them, and you are
almost inclined to believe him endowed with Neptunian attributes, had
not the watery empire of that serene potentate been confined to the sea.
Unfortunately for an office of such exalted dignity, the title of " captain "
is appropriated by divers other less deserving members of the crew. In
fact, it seems that any man who can exercise authority in any capacity,
from the chief cook to the master himself, is entitled to the appellation.

But to return to our trip. In response to an inquiry as to the pros-
pects of the day, the captain ominously shakes his head. The wind is
blowing strong and the sand is seen drifting in clouds over the sand-bars
along the valley in both directions as far as the eye can reach. These
persistent prairie winds are very unwelcome to the pilot. They disturb
the normal appearance of the river, the only guide in following its shifting
channel, and when they blow athwart the course of the vessel, they are
only too liable to force her against the shore. The captain is picking his
way through a bed of snags near a grove of huge cottonwood trees which
the aggressive action of the river is year by year undermining and trans-
forming into these formidable obstacles to navigation.

Having safely passed this dangerous section of the river, a short run
soon brings the boat to a " crossing," or in other words to a place where
the river, after having followed one bank for a distance, crosses the valley
to the other bank. These " crossings " are always much dreaded by the
boatmen, for the river here divides into a series of smaller chutes, none of
which may have sufficient depth for a navigable channel. The captain
selects the chute which seems to offer the best prospects of success, but
even his trained eye cannot remove all doubt, and he is compelled to call

4l8 THE ANCIENT TOWN OF FORT BENTON IN MONTANA

in the service of the sounding-pole. The pole-man, standing on the fore-
castle and throwing his pole every thirty seconds, drawls out in a peculiar
river brogue that has to be heard to be appreciated, " F-o-u-r feet, three-
and-a-haluf, three-feet-large, three-feet-scant, two-and-a-haluf," whereupon
the captain concludes that he has selected the wrong chute, and withdraws
for a trial in a different place. In the meantime he calls attention to
a dry gulch where he says the boat passed last year. The sight of this
sandy valley, where already a tender crop of willows is starting up, excites
a suspicion that the captain is amusing himself at the passenger's expense,
and the latter hardly knows whether or not to consider himself imposed
upon. But the assistant pilot noticing this incredulity quickly corroborates
the captain's statement with a chain of circumstances which, for the time
at least, compels tacit credence, and further experience shows that such
phenomena are by no means rare.

The captain has by this time tried another chute, but with no better
success. He now runs the boat to shore, makes her fast, takes a yawl and
rowing crew, and, with a little sounding-stick five or six feet long, he care-
fully examines the whole river over the " crossing." Finally he returns
with the unwelcome intelligence that the greatest depth found is but two
feet, and, as the boat draws three feet, he stands in face of the problem
of navigating a two-foot channel with a boat of three feet draught. An
insolvable problem ? Assuredly it cannot be other. But the captain is
evidently of different opinion, for he has already entered upon its solution.
Steaming the boat in the direction of the deepest water previously de-
termined, he pushes her as far as she will go. Then the mate and crew
lower the spars on either side, push them into the bar with trie lower ends
pointing down stream so that a pull on the lines will both lift the boat and
pull it ahead, haul tight the lines, throw them around the capstans, apply
the engines to the latter and proceed to "walk" the boat over the bar.
Somebody has already driven a stake into the bar near the boat, by which
to note the latter's progress. From this it is observed that she does really
move, but as more and more of her weight is brought upon the bar, the
engines begin to- labor, the progress is imperceptible, and one begins to
think, that having gotten where it will be impossible either to advance or
retreat the captain will be compelled to stop. But now the propeller
wheel is set in motion, and strange to say with a backward revolution, as
if trying to back the boat, while the engines are exerting themselves to the
utmost on the spars to pull her ahead. Astonished at this apparent waste
of power, the tyro in sand-bar navigation hastens to the captain and informs
him that the engineer must have misunderstood his signal, as the wheel is

THE ANCIENT TOWN OF FORT BENTON IN MONTANA 419

working with a reverse motion. The captain, unable to suppress a smile at
this really pardonable ignorance, replies that the engineer's auricular train-
ing is quite correct, and that he has understood the signal perfectly. He
then explains that the power of the spars is so much greater than that of
the wheel, that the latter can make no impression against them ; but that
the reverse motion forces the water back under the boat and acts as a
temporary dam, sometimes actually raising the water three or four inches,
and lightening the weight on the bar just that much. Still incredulous, our
novice returns to watch the stake in the bar. He observes that the boat
is making better progress than before, and he concludes that navigation,
even on the Missouri, has its scientific aspect.

Dinner-time comes and passes and it is nearly one o'clock when the
familiar quiver of the boat announces that she again rests on the water
alone and that another obstacle is passed. Now follow several hours' good
progress. The captain, relieved of the necessity of continuous attention to
the boat, is in his full adventure-telling element. He relates how at this
particular point, in 1867, an Indian concealed on the bank endeavored to
take his life. It is a difficult part of the river, where the channel comes
close to the shore and the greatest care is necessary at the wheel. This
the Indian seems to have understood perfectly, and had his aim been as
good as his strategy, not only would the captain have been slain, but the
pilotless boat might have been wrecked and, thus helplessly exposed to
the attacks of the treacherous savages. The captain never fails to point
out the spot where the bullet tore through the pilot-house in such
unpleasant proximity.

A little farther on is the place where in the following year he was
compelled to stop his boat and wait for a herd of buffaloes to ford the
river, lest if he should run through the line, their huge bodies might
become entangled in the wheel and disable him entirely. Moreover, it
afforded an excellent opportunity to pick out a few choice specimens for
the kitchen — an argument for delay which to the listener seems much
the more plausible of the two. The incident is only one of the many that
are continually calling attention to the almost miraculous disappearance
of a great species from the face of the earth. One recalls the muffling
robe which used to be a sine qua non of every sleigh-ride ; he sees the mem-
bers of the boat-crew, as their duties give them leisure, individually busy
with a knife or piece of glass giving to some rough pair of horns that
exquisite ebony polish that converts it into a beautiful ornament ; he sees
the well-worn trails which many years will fail to eradicate from the prai-
rie ; he looks at the enormous heaps of bones and horns gathered to the

420 THE ANCIENT TOWN OF FORT BENTON IN MONTANA

river bank for shipment ; he contemplates all these evidences that a great
species once flourished here, but his eye in vain scans the prairie for a
single remaining specimen. All comparative estimates based upon the
known size of large herds of cattle indicate that the multitude of these
animals was literally innumerable. Where are they now? Ages of geo-
logical history marked the decline and final extinction of the pterosaur
and of the mastodon, while to the wanton amusement of the sportsman
and the unbridled avarice of the trader, the annihilation of the American
bison was the work of but a single generation. Familiar and frequent as
are the evidences of its past existence, the species has now dwindled to a
few sickly specimens which may still be seen in the zoological garden or
in the traveling menagerie.

But what is that bunch of cloth, twigs, and dirt which rests securely in
the arms of a gnarled and stubby cottonwood near the shore, like the nest
of some huge bird ? The captain says that it is an Indian's grave and that
it was there when he made his first trip up the river. There come to mind
the pictures of Indian burial-grounds in the books of early childhood,
while a peculiar fascination draws attention from more pleasing objects
around and rivets it upon this rude tomb. The more one contemplates it
the more he feels that with all its uncouthness this mode of burial has
much to commend it. Indeed, can we doubt that the " untutored mind "
did well when it selected to mark the resting-place of its dust, not the
meaningless stone but the forest tree, in itself an emblem of the simplest
notion of a future life? To the Indian, heaven is but another earth. On
questions of futurity he knows but one religion and practices but one
philosophy — that of measuring the unknown by the known. That the sun-
shine of spring will clothe his memorial tree in fresh foliage is to him no
more certain than that he shall yet dwell, with the identical companions,
possessions, and pursuits of this life, in the happy hunting-grounds of the
spirit land. His tomb will not endure like the graven granite of Green-
wood, it is true, but it has already outlasted the generation that placed it
there, and beyond that the finest monument is indeed u dull, cold marble,"
but nothing more.

The captain's attention is here directed to the cause of some unusual
preparation on the boat. And well it may. A short distance ahead the
foaming river is seen coming down a very perceptible descent. A rapid !
And must the boat try that passage? No progress elsewhere. Spars will
do no good there. The water is deep enough ; its swiftness is the diffi-
culty. Mindful of the mortifying failure of his attempt to instruct the
captain at the late " crossing," our novice has already relinquished the

THE ANCIENT TOWN OF FORT BENTON IN MONTANA 42 1

idea of offering any further solution for the difficulties of river navigation,
so he simply awaits developments. The boat has reached the foot of the
rapid and is making for the shore. The instant her prow touches the bank
a dozen men leap ashore and start on the run up along the water's edge.
The foremost carries a pick and spade and a few stakes ; the second carries
a large stick of wood little smaller than a railroad tie; the rest, at intervals
of one or two hundred feet, are carrying a strong line which is being
rapidly uncoiled on the boat. Having arrived well beyond the head of the
rapid the men proceed to plant a " dead-man ; " that is, they dig a trench
three or four feet deep, large enough to receive the above-mentioned
stick, and with a direction perpendicular to that of the river. The stick is
buried, carefully staked down, the line is fastened to it at its middle, and
then all is covered up with stones and dirt. The people on the boat have
now thrown their end of the line around the capstan and are already wind-
ing it up and drawing the boat slowly but surely up the rapid. The whole
operation has taken an hour, and by the time the party is back on board
supper-time has arrived.

After this final refreshment the pilot-house is again sought wherein to
spend a few hours of the close of day. The wind has almost entirely sub-
sided, and the river surface, disturbed only occasionally by its own current,
stretches away under the slant rays of the sun like a long thread of silver,
broken here and there by the curving course of the stream, but ever
reappearing until it is at last lost in the distant horizon. In the opposite
direction it winds back for many a mile with a mirror-like smoothness, but
not so bright as toward the sun. The boat is making the best progress of
the day. Everybody is on deck to enjoy the sunset, and the tedious delays
of the morning and afternoon are forgotten in the general exhilaration of
the moment. If the boat can only reach some friendly supply of fuel to
replenish that exhausted in the slow progress of the day, the general
contentment will be quite unalloyed.

Sunset has already begun, and one of those perfect sunsets it is which
seem to be the exclusive right of the western prairie. Sinking slowly
behind the sharp line of some distant eminence, the sun, as if tenacious of
life, casts back its crimson halo over half the sky, and seems determined
that if he must go he will not let his going be forgotten. Twilight
approaches, the vast halo contracts about the place where the sun has
disappeared, covers his line of retreat, and protects him from the vanguard
of a new light that is already darting its silver rays after him from the
east. But there has just burst forth another light, straight ahead and
perhaps a mile or two away. The glad expressions of the crew soon

422 THE ANCIENT TOWN OF FORT BENTON IN MONTANA

announce that it is the signal fire of some Indian or wood-chopper who
has caught sight of the boat, and who thus informs the crew that his
wood-pile is at their disposal. A half an hour more and the boat is
moored under the huge bonfire, by the light of which the crew close their
day's labors in transferring the seasoned wood from the shore to the boat.
It is after nine o'clock, and they have already put in eighteen hours' work.
They never seem to complain. It is a boatman's life and they uncom-
plainingly accept all its hardships. The tired passenger for his part
settles down to a game of whist, thankful for present progress and hopeful
for better on the morrow.

But let us return to our narrative. As soon as the practicability of
navigating the Missouri river as far as Fort Benton was demonstrated, the
destined importance of the latter place as a distributing and shipping
point became at once apparent. Overland transportation routes were
established from Benton in all directions. In 1862 a road was finished to
Walla Walla, Washington Territory, across the intervening ranges of the
Rockies. In other directions around Benton the open prairie rarely
required any special road-work to make it passable for freight wagons.
In 1864 the town site of Benton was laid out. It was not, however, till
nearly the close of the civil war that the upper river business received its
first great impulse. It was then that the exploration and settlement of
the Rocky mountain region began to command serious attention. Gold
had been discovered there. The famous Alder gulch and Helena placers
were disclosing their fabulous wealth. A large immigration from the
south, " the left wing of Price's army," was settling in western Montana.
Military posts were being established and villages were springing up.
There was a sudden call for mining implements, supplies, and all the varied
catalogue of things which civilization must have. As yet the Missouri
river was the only line of transportation from the states, and this had been
shown, as already narrated, to be capable of carrying large steamboats
almost to the foot of the falls. Fort Benton, from her condition as a trad-
ing post, became at once a most important and extensive distributing
point. The steamboat arrivals, which had never exceeded in number four
or five a year, in 1866 jumped to thirty-six, and on the eleventh day of
June of that year this distant frontier village could boast of seeing seven
steamers unloading their cargoes at her levee.

A general system of land transportation was inaugurated. The most
important company was the " Diamond R," <(ft>, as it was called. It was
organized at Fort Benton by John C. Roe of St. Louis, and by various
changes of ownership it passed into the hands of Montana men. It soon

THE ANCIENT TOWN OF FORT BENTON IN MONTANA 423

became a great company with a complete organization of agents, issuing
its bills of lading to all points both in and out of the territory. At one
time it employed no less than twelve hundred oxen and four hundred
mules, besides a large number of horses, and the sustenance of these
draught animals during the working season is said to have been a source
of no slight income to the small farmers of that section.

These were the halcyon days of Fort Benton. She soon became a
wealthy town. Costly brick buildings were erected and business houses
established ; her trade, considering the size of the place, was simply
phenomenal. To the traveler passing over the neighboring prairie, where
the eye in all its vast range can discover no human habitation except,
perhaps, some ranch house of the meanest construction, and coming sud-
denly to the brink of the river bluffs overlooking the town with its great
business houses, its numerous banks, its large hotel, court-house, and
school building, and a complete city government with a mayor, aldermen,
and board of trade, it is a matter of unfeigned astonishment that such an
aggregation of business should be found in such a place.

This period of prosperity continued without check until 1870, when
the Union Pacific reached Ogden. A freight line four hundred and
sixty-five miles long was at once established from this point to Helena.
The check on the river transportation was, however, slight, and the latter
continued to flourish until 1880 when, on the ninth day of March of that
year, the Union Pacific (the Utah Northern) laid its first rail on Montana
soil. This blow was soon followed by a heavier one in 1883 when the
Northern Pacific line was completed. The Canadian Pacific was also well
under way at the same time.

It will thus be seen that the vast country of which Fort Benton had
been the distributing point was largely cut off by the railroads. The
natural result of this state of things soon followed. River transportation
dwindled. The steamboat companies prepared to close out their business
and withdrew their boats to St. Louis for sale. The " Diamond R " Com-
pany began to sell off its stock, to the great discomfiture of the farmers
to whom it had given a market for their produce. Still there was a con-
siderable country for which Fort Benton was yet the most convenient
market, and several steamers continued to ply between Bismarck and
Benton until in 1887 the completion of the Manitoba road (now the
Great Northern) from St. Paul to Helena dealt the final blow to the once
great business of river transportation.

Not only at Fort Benton, but all along the river down to the mouth of
the Yellowstone, the baleful effects of the railroads are painfully apparent.

424 THE ANCIENT TOWN OF FORT BENTON IN MONTANA

The settlers along the bottoms, deserted by the steamboats, have sought
the railroads, and their ranches are going to ruin. The deer and other
wild game, once frightened away by the continual blast of the steam
whistle, are now returning to their ancient pasture-grounds. The solitary
woodman who in winter gathered his stock of fuel, certain of a market
with the returning spring, and the genial tribe of boatmen whom the
lively commerce of a quarter of a century reared up along the valley, alike
bewail the sudden collapse of their fortunes. The lonely ranchman who
still lingers in those parts has ceased to strain his eyes toward the depres-
sion in the eastern horizon where the great river runs into the sky, for he
no longer sees the curling smoke which tells him that the first boat of
spring is near and that the severe monotony of winter is at an end. Orig-
inal wildness has regained her primeval empire. But for a few deserted
huts and still fewer yet occupied, the wrecks of a few abandoned steam-
boats, the mutilated remains of works by which the government has
sought to control the course of the turbulent river — and Lewis and Clarke
might say that it was but yesterday they cordelled their boats up these
same rapids through the changeless prairies of the undiscovered West.

Fort Benton thus stands, as she has stood since 1887, on an equal foot-
ing with other similar towns, the market for a small tract of surrounding
country. Of course, her previous great prosperity has given her a present
importance which she would probably not have had without it. Her
future growth will surely depend upon different agencies than in the past.
Many years will elapse before she will again see a thriving river commerce
terminate at her levee. Ker hope will be in the development of the
country along the river; and could the river itself be made to contribute
to that development, it would yet prove a greater blessing to Fort Benton
than it has in the past. To see that great volume of water flowing down
to the ocean while the rich prairie soil is parching in a rainless climate,
makes one wish that the government, instead of spending its money to
contract the river channel, would rather try to scatter the waters upon the
adjoining lands. By a strange misapplication of terms, streams are often
said to water the valleys through which they flow, as if the exact opposite
were not generally the case. But what greater boon could be conferred
upon the Missouri valley than to make this misapplied expression a true
one even to the extent of draining the last drop from the river-bed?
Here is a water-supply whose capacity for irrigation purposes is absolutely
inexhaustible. No reservoirs are needed. Nature has herself built reser-
voirs in the ice-locked mountains where she holds the accumulated snows
of winter, turning them into moisture and sending it to the valleys when

THE ANCIENT TOWN OF FORI BENTON IN MONTANA 425

the soil-tiller's " need is the sorest." The question of thus utilizing the
forces of nature may never, for many years certainly will not, receive
serious attention. The river will flow on undisturbed by the state, except
that from year to year a few dams and dikes and shore protections will be
built, a few gravel bars dredged away, and a few snag.-, removed, all to
make way for a commerce which, in sufficient magnitude to justify gov-
ernmental appropriations, exists only in the imagination. But the dwell-
ers of the valley being periodically pacified by these paltry pittance-, from
the public purse, the paramount problem of making the river build up
that country and convert these arid and barren wastes into productive
farm-lands will go on unsolved.

Yet who can doubt that this is the true office of the mighty stream to
the valley through which it flows ? A highway for commerce ? Why, a
single track railway along the valley, which could be built at a mere frac-
tion of the expense of permanently " improving " the river, and which
would be " navigable " the year round, would be of infinitely greater value
as a highway for commerce than the river is likely ever to be. When a
systematic project is adopted for the irrigation of the Missouri valley with
the waters of the river itself, then and not till then will we see a revival
of commerce along the valley. Then we shall see there thriving gardens
and fields of grain like those that dot the foot-hills of the Reekie
over the great mountain region, while new villages will spring up, not to
decay after a season of temporary prosperity, but to flourish perma-
nently with a growth and activity equal to those of the palmiest days
of Fort Benton. /

Omaha, Nebraska.

Vol. XXTV.-No. fc-

DAVID HARTLEY AND THE AMERICAN COLONIES

ENGLAND'S SIGNER OF THE DEFINITIVE TREATY OF PEACE

The final act in the series of events which restored tranquillity to five
great nations — and peace to the world — on the 3d of September, 1783,
possesses a dramatic interest beyond the mere portraiture of the men who
placed their autographs upon the notable document. We can see the

^#^C

FAC-SIMILE OF THE SIGNATURES UPON THE DEFINITIVE TREATY OF PEACE.
[From the original in the State Department, Washington.]

DAVID HARTLEY AND THE AMERICAN COLONIES 427

vast British Empire, through its chosen representative, bowing to the
divinity of a new liberty in a new world.

David Hartley had not only distinguished himself in parliament by his
mediations for the good of America, but in all the differences of opinion
attending the conduct of the war to overcome the Revolution had com-
manded the respect and confidence of contending parties about him. He
was a statesman of learning, a man of well-known integrity, sincere without
ostentation, of lofty benevolence, and belonged to the highest type of the
old English cultured Christian gentleman. As champion of the rights
of the colonists, he endeavored at all times, by personal effort and wise
counsel, to soften the policy of England and to accord to America, through
his deep sense of justice, the privileges that the people were clamorously
demanding. It would appear from the history of the times that the home
government, through its incoming and outgoing ministry, failed to dis-
cern the real trend of events. But David Hartley was early in the field
with a petition to parliament asking that the grievances of the colonies,
then deepening in tone and growing in number, be considered, and that
such legislation be immediately entered upon as those grievances severally
demanded. In support of his resolution, he said : *

" For one hundred and fifty years the united colonies were left to
themselves upon the fortune and caprice of private adventurers to encoun-
ter every difficulty and danger. During this period of their establish-
ment in all the difficulties belonging separately to their situation, in alL
the Indian wars which did not immediately concern us, we left them to-
fight their own battles and to defend their own frontiers. We con-
quered no country for them; we purchased none; we cleared none; we
drained none ; nor did we make a foot of land in all the inhospitable
wilderness — to which they at first retreated — habitable for them. What,,
then, did we do ? Precisely nothing toward their support while in their
state of infancy ; but as they rose to be considerable by their own perse-
verance and by their unparalleled industry, we then began to keep watch
over their increasing numbers, in order to secure the profits of their labor
to ourselves ; we took especial care that they should enjoy none of the
advantages of a free commerce with other nations, but obliged them to^
receive their whole supplies from us at our own price, and upon our own
terms. With regard to the great objects of commerce we permitted them
to do this and forbid them to do that, just as it suited the caprice of the

* This quotation from David Hartley's eloquent speech will be read with interest, as it is.
almost inaccessible at the present day.

428 DAVID HARTLEY AND THE AMERICAN COLONIES

ruling powers ; but at the same time, in all our acts, the interest of this
country was the avowed object.

Now, when they have surmounted the difficulties and begin to hold
up their heads, and show a distant glimpse of that empire which promises
to be the foremost in the world, we claim them as property without any con-
sideration of their own rights, and as if they had been paupers bred up by
national bounty and provided for by national expense. We arrogate to
ourselves the sole direction of their political economy and the sole disposal
of their well-earned property.

Moreover, it ought not to be forgotten that as soon as the rapid
progress they had made in cultivation had discovered the value of Ameri-
can plantations, and had inspired rival nations with a desire of imita-
ting their example and emulating their vigor and their industry, and that
partly by policy and partly by force the enemy began to surround the
ancient settlers and encroach upon their boundaries, that then, when
the common interest made their cause a common cause, and war became
necessary, they then, even in the opinion of this house, bore more than
their proportion in that war, and were chiefly instrumental in its success ;
and so sensible was parliament at the time of the zeal and the strenuous
exertions of the colonists that it actually voted considerable sums by way
of compensation for their liberality and service. How strange, then, must
it seem to them to hear nothing down to the year 1763 but encomiums on
their active zeal and strenuous efforts, and no longer after than 1764 to find
the tide turn, and from that year to this to hear it asserted that they were
a burden upon the parent state, and that at least forty millions of the
national debt were contracted on their account — an assertion as void of
truth as of common sense.

It was not upon their account that the war was declared. It was not
their trade, but the trade of Great Britain, that was at stake. Every ship
from America is bound to Great Britain ; none enter American ports but
British ships and British subjects. Their cargoes are your cargoes, your
manufactures, your commodities ; their navigators your navigators, ready
:upon all occasions to man your fleets and strengthen your hands against
•whatever power dares to declare itself your enemy. Why, then, charge
them with the expense of a war in which they were only your assistants,
:and in the spoils of which they had no participation ? In the conquest of
that war they never thought of declaring to you what to keep or what to
give up, little dreaming that the expenses of the military governments
that were reserved were to be charged to their account."

Mr. Hartley concluded by saying that " the sincerity of his intentions

DAVID HARTLEY AND THE AMERICAN COLONIES 429

LETTERS

OK T H fi

AMERICAN WAR.

ADDRESSED

To the Right Worfhipful the Mayor and Corporation*

To tue Worfhipful the 'Wardens and Corporation

of the Trinity-Houfe,

A N D

To the Worthy BurgeffeS

Town of Kingston upon Hull*

By DA V ID HARTLEY, E%

MEMBER oe PARLIMEANT
For the Town of Kingston upon Hulk*

LONDON:

EHINTED FOfcAtMOtf, PICCADILLY; KEARSELEY, FLEET-STREET \ DULY*

POULTRY J CRUT WELL, BATH ; AND MULLET,. BRISTOL.

MDCCLXXVIII.

430 DAVID HARTLEY AND THE AMERICAN COLONIES

and his zeal to prevent the effusion of fraternal blood were his best
apology."

This speech was delivered in the house of commons a few months
prior to the decision of the home government to secure by force what it
had expected to accomplish purely by peaceful measures. At that very
hour the councils of 'the colonies were in session to decide upon such
action as the serious attitude of affairs seemed to demand ; and, although
quickened by the eloquence of Henry, Lee, Randolph, and by the graceful
and persuasive Otis, Pendleton, Samuel Adams, Jefferson, by the com-
manding Rutledge, by Richard Bland unrivalled among his contempora-
ries as a logician, it is doubtful whether the principles for which they were
struggling and risking their lives had on either continent a more Vigorous
advocate than David Hartley.

In looking over the debates in parliament, covering the period be-
tween 1775 and 1779 inclusive, and subjecting them to cool and unbiased
criticism, it is exceptionally remarkable that a majority was secured for so
many long years capable of defeating the appeals of the colonists, and so
strangely indifferent to the eloquence and energy of their English friends.
David Hartley was by no means alone in opposition to the policy of the
crown ; amid the noise and confusion of debate many influential voices
were heard from time to time — that of Pitt, Fox, Chatham, Burke, and
others — while in the house of lords America found staunch friends in
Earl Grafton and Earl Richmond, Lords Rockingham and Camden. But
the speeches of Hartley, and his letters on the American war, addressed
to the mayor and corporation of Kingston-upon-Hull, privately printed at
the time — an exceedingly rare work, with the author's autograph attached
to each letter — comprehend some of the ablest and most convincing argu-
ments of the period.

David Hartley was the descendant of a long line of scholarly and
philanthropic men who were closely connected with the nobility of
England. His father, Dr. David Hartley (born 1705, died 1752), was of
world-wide celebrity as an author and a metaphysician. His great talents
were specially directed to mental science, ethics, and theology. His work
on the mind, entitled Observations on Man, on which his fame rests, occu-
pied his thoughts for sixteen years. Tt was published in 1749. The
intellectual atmosphere in which he lived, says an eminent English writer,
was " that of Edmund Law, Warburton, Dr. Butler, and Jortin, who were
his intimate associates and fellow-laborers, both in these fields and in that
of ecclesiastical history." He was also the personal friend of Pope and
Young. In person he was of medium size, fair complexion, with animated,

DAVID HARTLEY AND THE AMERICAN COLONIES 43 1

< 3* )

-regiments over-running all America, that 50 or 60^00 men have been baffled for two years
together ; one entire army taken prisoners, the remainder retreating and befieged. Then
we regret in Vain, the headftrong folly of minifters, who have betrayed the unfufpe&ing
confidence of Parliament, by tfeeir ignorance, arrogance and mifreprefentations. The
experiment has coft us the lofs of America,', with 30 or 40,000 men deftroyed, and thirty
or forty millions of money wafted, which even_if it had procured fuccefs, would have
been little better than ruin j but the final defeat after all," has brought the nation into dtf-
grace, arid has delivered us ftript of our men and money, and of our bed friends and
refources, in-almoft a defencele& ftate, to the antient rivals of our profperity and
honour. Thefe fentiments have made a deep imprefBo.n upon my mind*, and* con-
duct.' 'Zealoufly attached to the honour of my country, I have lamented to fee it. fall a
facrifice, to the gratification of an ill-judged pride. _ Moderation and juftice, are tbie
fcrueft guardians of national honour,

I am.

With the greater! RefpecT

and Confideration^
Gentlemen,
•Your much obliged, and

faithful humble Servant^

. SODBURY,

\fo the Right Worfhifful the Mayer and Corporation,
5a the Worfhipful the Wardens and Corporation
of ibe Trinity-houfe,

AND

To the Worthy Burgefes
Of the Town of Kincston upon Hull.

^AC-SIMILE OF THE CLOSING PAGE OF DAVID HARTLEY'S FIRST LETTER IN THE RARE WORK, OF WHICH NOT MORE
THAN THREE COPIES ARE NOW KNOWN TO EXIST. THE TITLE-PAGE IN FAC-SIMILE APPEARS ON PRECEDING PAGE
OF THIS NUMBER OF OUR MAGAZINE.

432

DAVID HARTLEY AND THE AMERICAN COLONIES

handsome, expressive features. He was polished and gay in society, elo~
quent in conversation, and in character singularly typical of the century in
which he lived — always ready to aid and comfort others. He was a prac-

DR. DAVID HARTLEY, I705-1752.

\From an exceedingly rare print.]

ticing physician, and is said to have " exercised the healing art with anxious
and equal fidelity to the poor and to the rich." His son David, who was
to become so thoroughly associated with the destinies of America, was

DAVID HARTLEY AND THE AMERICAN COLONIES 433

born at Bath, England, in 1729. He grew into a thoughtful lad, and even
in his tender years was the constant companion of his studious father, who
embraced every opportunity to impress upon the young mind the reality
of life and the necessity of crowning it with noble aims and deeds. He
was graduated from Merton college, Oxford, and afterward became senior
fellow of that institution. He had determined on a professional career,,
but subsequent events, many of which were of political character, together
with the death of his father, prompted him to relinquish this purpose and
devote his time and energies indirectly to the interests of the state, and
directly to the welfare of our common humanity. As he advanced to
middle life, while not diminishing his efforts to ameliorate the condition
of the poor and suffering within his immediate reach, he consented to serve
as a member of parliament for Kingston-upon-Hull, and was promptly
elected. His abilities were soon recognized. He was honored with a
membership of the committee on ways and means, a position which
afforded him the coveted opportunity of learning the plans of the govern-
ment, and of concentrating his best thought upon the future of the Amer-
ican colonies.

When the suggestion was made a little earlier in the history of the coun-
try to that astute servant of the kingdom, Sir Robert Walpole, that a direct
tax should be laid upon the American people, not only did he regard such
an act as extremely hazardous, but confessed he was wanting in moral
courage to give it execution, and resolved to leave the enunciation and
application of such a principle to one who had less regard for the commer-
cial interests of England. Not that the colonists were opposed to the
system of taxation : what they objected to was the right of England to
impose taxes without the persons paying those taxes in some way having
representation. They believed that parliament derived its authority from
being a representative body, and it did not represent America ; they were
the subjects, of the king, and occupied a portion of his domain — the wil-
derness of the West — a domain not under the control of parliament. It
was right and proper that parliament should exercise the powers of legis-
lation and of commercial control, but it should not meddle with the ques-
tion of their internal taxes. The relation the colonists felt they sustained
toward Great Britain was not one of distinct national councils, but a unit
in sovereignty. America had as many separate parliaments as there
were states, each sovereign within its limits, and all had one king; the
authority therefore 'of a transatlantic parliament could not possibly be
admitted. Unhappily this theory had found little support in England, and
still less in the minds of those bearing the burdens of the government. As

434 DAVID HARTLEY AND THE AMERICAN COLONIES

a result of antagonistic views discussion was provoked in both lands at the
same time far more intemperate than the occasion required, and seemingly
with no purpose on the part of the home government to give the opinions
expressed by the colonists just consideration. David Hartley maintained
that taxation was proper and needed for the support of a government, but
to tax a people for revenue without representation was an invasion of the
most sacred rights, the logical outcome of which would minister to the
destruction of an empire rather than to its preservation. Consideration
should likewise be shown to a people, who had extended the domain of a
kingdom, and invested its arms with a new and brilliant lustre. It
was right that troops should find a temporary home in a new land for
the preservation of its border, and if needed for the due enforcement of
authority, but their pay should not be derived from the people protected
when the nation at large received the benefit. Nor were commercial inter-
ests to be lost sight of ; in sharing those interests the immediate partici-
pators in the same should not be set at naught. The individual life among
a new people should be shared at least by a part of the people, nor be
wholly drawn off and made to flow in other channels ; gains and successes
involving great personal sacrifice should revert in a measure to the parties
making that sacrifice. The growth and development of a people did not
come from unrighteous oppression, but in allowing them the exercise of
the fullest action under law, and a sense of responsibility. A mother is
supposed to suckle and not rob her child of its life-giving energies. Pros-
perity should evoke consideration, not condemnation. Liberty is inherent,
not conferred. In fact, the independence of the colonies, in Mr. Hartley's
opinion, seemed to be a foregone conclusion from the time that he had
given their claims his careful study. His words in this connection are
impressive:

" With respect to the independence of America, I call it an inevitable
case, because it is generally considered as an event which would be detri-
mental and dishonorable to this country. My own opinion is far otherwise.
I think the friendship of America, which is now the rising world, and which
will in a few short years be multiplied a hundred-fold, would be of infinite
recompense in exchange for an irksome dominion, onerous to them, barren
to us by our haughty and supercilious conduct, which will only bring us
defeat and disgrace. If, instead of a suspicious and selfish system of
administration toward our colonies, we had from the first taken them by
the hand to lead them with paternal affection to natural greatness and
independence, at the time of their maturity we should have fixed the
hearts of America to ourselves forever. What have we now before us but

DAVID HARTLEY AND THE AMERICAN COLONIES 435

the prospect of defeat in the attempt to fix an irksome dominion perpet-
ually upon them, with the loss of their affections, and of all those peculiar
advantages which this country alone of all European states has derived
from free and flourishing colonies, which would have been daily growing in
magnitude and importance, in proportion to their boundless increase in the
new world."

In an address to his constituents, who had become uneasy under the
state of affairs, and many of whom had given moral support to the home
government, he arraigned the ministry in the following terms:

"What crimes had America been guilty of? They had been con-
demned unheard, all their civil rights had been subordinated, their judges
had been pensioned during pleasure, their juries had been garbled, the
free debates of their assemblies had been controlled, their charters had
been confiscated, their property had been taken from them. They had
presumed to represent their grievances and to crave redress by their peti-
tions. When all these addresses and petitions were rejected unheard, and
they were attacked by force of arms, they did likewise presume according
to the first law of nature to resist in their defense."

In a subsequent address, as more fully explanatory of his position, he
remarked : " I beg to explain for myself, that in the very beginning of these
troubles the question which influenced my conduct was the consideration
of the injustice of the foundation of the war on the part of this country.
I did, and do still, and ever shall, believe it to be unjust and contrary to
the principles of the British Constitution to tax unrepresented colonies in
a British parliament, who are to save the money of their constituents and
of themselves in proportion as they tax those who are unrepresented ; and
this moreover without any consideration of the then existing monopoly of
the American trade, which stood in the place of taxation and was a full
equivalent. I say this because I would not have my denial of the fact
attended with a /ong series of proofs, together with some apparent
industry in the investigation, to imply on my part an admission of the
criminality of the charge had it been true."

Lord Camden in 1776 laid before the house of lords a petition pray-
ing that it adopt such measures for the healing of the present unhappy
dispute which had now grown to violence. Mr. Hartley in referring to
that resolution observed : " I think if any one fact can more unequivocally
bring to test the vindictive, relentless, and inexorable spirit which dictated
the sanguinary measures of administration against America, it is the non-
compliance with a proposition so equitable as this was. The refusal was
the clearest declaration for unconditional submission or no peace. It is

43^ DAVID HARTLEY AND THE AMERICAN COLONIES

that vindictive spirit which condemns without trial, confiscates their public
charters and private property unheard, rejects their petitions and remon-
strances, contemns their offers of peace and constitutional dependence,
sends an army of fifty thousand men to cut their throats, with negroes and
savages to assassinate and murder them. It is that vindictive spirit which,
devoid of every human feeling due to fellow-creatures as well as to sub-
jects, will not even deign to tell them what submission it is that is
required of them."

Did America in the formative period of her government have a better
friend or a more determined advocate? In the month of May, 1777, he
drew up a petition to the king pleading with his fellow commoners to
" make a gift of independence to the Americans, and the immediate sup-
pression of hostilities." Both the ministry and the commons, however,
remained deaf to this appeal. Among other expressions on this memorable
occasion, the following is to the point : " The ministry give what garbled
evidence they please, they suppress evidence likewise at their discretion.
If any documents are moved which might be explanatory *of the views,
tempers, forces, connections, public proceedings, numbers, and disposition
of the persons discontented and in arms, any such motion is sure of meet-
ing with a negative. If a hint is dropped that the Americans are cowards,
that they are wretched and helpless, that they are discontented with their
leaders, that two or three regiments would subdue the whole country,,
that the king's standard once being set up the whole body of the people
would fly to it, or any other of the many fallacies which have led us
into disappointment and disgrace, a confident majority would not brook
any doubt." At a later date Mr. Hartley said : " What restitution shall
now be thought due to America for all the blood of theirs which ministers
have cruelly and wantonly shed, and for all the devastation which they
have committed to the utmost stretch of indignant fury! If the magna-
nimity and the justice of the British nation be not extinguished; if the
agonies of childless parents, the desolation of widows, and tears of orphans
can touch the feelings of their heart ; if the bitter woes of cruel and un-
merited injuries committed upon the defendants of their own blood can
move them to vindicate the violated rights of humanity against the
devices of wicked ministers and cruel counsellors ; if the ties of common
interest and consanguinity were ever dear to them, or if the renewal of
friendships and fraternal affection be still grateful to their hearts, hear the
last and just appeal of America."

The speeches of Mr. Hartley during this troublesome period, trouble-
some alike to the colonists as to the parent government, abound in similar

DAVID HARTLEY AND THE AMERICAN COLONIES 437

expressions and are colored with the same inflexible courage. While the
war proceeded, few questions of more importance came before both gov-
ernments than the exchange of prisoners taken upon the high seas. Early
in 1777 England was informed by the continental commission that more
than one hundred British seamen prisoners were under their control, and
sought to know whether an exchange could be agreed upon, the more so
as many of the Americans taken by his Majesty's forces were suffering
treatment inconsistent with the rules of war. Lord Stormont replied to
the commission, " The king's ambassador receives no application from
rebels unless they come to implore his Majesty's mercy." With true
American spirit, this reply was returned to Lord Stormont as an indecent
paper, and for mature consideration.

The theory advanced by the English government was that American
sailors were not held by them as prisoners-of-war, but every one of them
was confined upon a writ, issued by a magistrate, for high treason. This
problem was attended with severe difficulties on the part of the colonies,
from want of ships to confine captives, and the unwillingness of France to
lodge them on her shores. Later, France granted this privilege, to the
inexpressible relief and happiness both of the colonial government and
the unfortunate prisoners. As these prisoners numbered about one thou-
sand, and were giving the government of France some uneasiness, Frank-
lin, then within her borders, wrote to Mr. Hartley stating, with some warmth,
their plight, and asking " if he would not take into his hands the distribu-
tion, among those who needed it most, of a sum of money, or, failing that,
if he could not engage somebody else to do so." With characteristic
promptness and energy, Mr. Hartley entered upon this service, and wrote
to Dr. Franklin in reply on Christmas day (1777), as follows :

" A correspondence set on foot with a view of procuring relief to the
unfortunate prisoners on each side, and of setting a new example of
benevolence to the world — to civilize even the laws of war when the case
will admit — is not only irreproachable, but stands in the highest degree of
humanity and merit. Such a proposition recommends itself to a reception
with a double share of goodness and alacrity, not only for the humanity
of the immediate objects, the softening the rigors of captivity, but like-
wise for the further and more enlarged view of consequences, introduc-
ing one act of communication between this country and America which
shall not be a matter of exasperation. Mutual acts of generosity and
benevolence may soften animosities, and, by disposing the respective parties
to a favorable opinion of each other, may contribute to bring forward some
reasonable plan of accommodation. Upon these views and principles, I

438 DAVID HARTLEY AND THE AMERICAN COLONIES

have made application to Lord North, that the two parties shall mutually
send or employ a commissioner to take care of the unfortunate prisoners.
I did my endeavor to recommend it to government as a national act of
generosity and liberality, to be avowed as such in preference to any private
subscription for their relief, however large or munificent, from a full con-
viction (whatever may be the fate of war) that acts of national kindness
and generosity alone can make any impression on the heart of America.
I am now expecting with anxiety the event of my application, which I will
subjoin to this so soon as I receive it."

A full year passed before anything was practically done by which the
parties interested obtained the desired relief. In the meantime Mr.
Hartley visited Paris with the idea of talking with Dr. Franklin on the
topic of peace, when he assured him he had the most serious hope that
the efforts which he had made in behalf of America's prisoners would
prevail.

A few months after his return to England he wrote thus to Dr.
Franklin:

"June 5,1778.

I hope we shall at length get forward with our exchange of the
poor prisoners which has been so many months in negociation. I am
authorized by the administration and the board of admiralty to make
the following proposition : That you send to me the number and rank of
the prisoners which you have on your side to deliver, upon which an
equal number shall be prepared for the exchange on this side. It pro-
posed that each party shall send their prisoners to Calais, and there the
exchange be made. Be so good as to send me your answer upon this
proposition, which I will lay before the board of admiralty, and will con-
tribute all that is in my power to facilitate the exchange."

This correspondence between Hartley and Franklin is most interesting^
not only as a matter of history, but in revealing the great sympathy and
tenderness cherished by these two distinguished philanthropists for the
oppressed and unfortunate of both nationalities. That the hopes of both,
though greatly retarded, were fully realized, the following letter of Dr.
Franklin to Mr. Hartley plainly records: " The first cargo of prisoners is
arrived and exchanged. . . . Accept my thanks for your unwearied
pains in this affair. Let me know if you can whether it is intended
to send another hundred immediately. ... In this case I should
assemble from the different prisons those who are to be returned for them,
that the cartel ship may find them ready and not be obliged to wait for
them. We have still a great number in Spain."

DAVID HARTLEY AND THE AMERICAN COLONIES . 439

After the defeat of Burgoyne and during the negotiations for the
French treaty, concluding that now a favorable hour had arrived for
granting to America what she had so frequently demanded, Hartley wrote
further to Dr. Franklin, asking whether the moment had not come for the
colonies to make some specific proposition to parliament, with assurances
appended to the same that they should be carried out. Even if prelimi-
naries could be entered upon sufficient to warrant the suspension of hos-
tilities, he believed that there was such a lurking affection between the
two nations as would result in overtures of peace and reconciliation. He
felt also that if such a purpose was secretly made known, if not advanced
enough for publicity, nothing but good would be the fruit thereof. When
subsequently Lord North brought in two bills (February 17, 1778), one
declaratory regarding taxation, and the other appointing commissioners
with considerable powers to treat with congress the provincial assemblies,
Washington and others, the scheme was received with jeers from the
opposition, and with surprise and dejection even by Lord North's own
supporters. Mr. Hartley seized the opportunity, however, to enter upon
a new correspondence with Franklin. He writes :

" I told you that better times would come. They are come. . . .
I hardly can describe to you the substance of what passed in the house
of commons last night. Lord North came before the house in explana-
tion of his proposition, in which he has done justice to those dispositions
for peace and for a settlement of America.

If the bill corresponds to what has been announced it will give full
powers to the commissioners for a cessation of hostilities, treaty, peace
and perpetual union with America. . . . He gave me full assur-
ance that I shall not be interrupted in any correspondence with you. He
told me that I could not serve my country more essentially than by
cultivating every intercourse which might forward peace. He expressed
his full approbation of my going to Paris to have a conference with you.
I am confident that peace is now practicable."

As a result of this correspondence, and still having uppermost in his
mind the interests of the colonies, Mr. Hartley visited Dr. Franklin.
Among other matters discussed, Dr. Franklin was asked whether Amer-
ica, to obtain peace, would grant superior advantage to Great Britain,
and enter into an alliance offensive and defensive ; also, in case of war
against France, would America ally with England ? On Mr. Hartley's
return to London for further official advice, he formulated a proposition
under six heads and submitted it to Dr. Franklin for consideration. Prop-
osition first was to withdraw all the fleets and armies; second, to proclaim

44-0 DAVID HARTLEY AND THE AMERICAN COLONIES

a cessation of all hostilities both by sea and land for five years ; third, all
prisoners on either side to be discharged immediately ; fourth, a free and
open trade to be established without any molestation on either side what-
ever; fifth,. all mutual intercourse and mutual nationalization to be restored
as formerly between Great Britain and North America ; and lastly, a
treaty of peace, alliance, and commerce to be negotiated between the two
countries. For valid reasons Dr. Franklin declined the above propositions,
bade for the time a most affectionate adieu to Mr. Hartley, and awaited
for terms more in consonance wTith what he believed America, and not
what England, might propose.

During the early months of 1782, when there was much skirmishing by
the English government in relation to a contemplated peace with America,
Hartley and Franklin were in constant correspondence. The following
letter from Franklin, in possession of the Hartley family, is of interest :

"Passy, Sept. 8, 1782.
My Dear Friend :

I wrote you this morning, enclosing three letters for friends
in England. If you have not yet started I know that you will be gratified
to hear that his Majesty's ultimate instructions, of which I have been in pos-
session some days, but just now is a secret, are most favorable for peace.

The 4th article reads, in case you find the American commissioners
not at liberty to treat on any terms short of Independence, you are to de-
clare to them you have authority to make that concession. To so sincere
a lover of mankind, this to you will indeed be gratifying news. v
With esteem and affection, I am, my dear friend,

Ever yours,

Benjamin Franklin
David Hartley, Esq. M. P."

October, 1782, was finally devoted to the subject in earnest, and at the
request of Franklin, Jay drew up the articles of peace. Several months
were consumed in negotiating the "preliminaries." The provisional treaty
was signed in January, 1783, by the ministers of the three nations — France,
England/ and Spain — and the American commissioners.

A definite treaty between Great Britain and America was now in order,
and it is not surprising that David Hartley should have been selected
by his sovereign to conclude the negotiations on th'e part of Great Britain,
and consummate the final triumph which his own persistent efforts had
contributed so largely to accomplish. Fox wrote to Franklin, April 19,

DAVID HARTLEY AND THE AMERICAN COLONIES 44I

1783, that Hartley had " the full and entire confidence of his Majesty's
ministers upon the subject of the mission." His appointment was most
acceptable to all parties. John Adams said " Hartley's commission under
the king's own hand was very magnificent." It bore the great seal in a
silver box, the king's arms engraven on it, and ornamented with two huge
golden tassels. He presented it to the American commission, assembled
in Mr. Adams's rooms in Paris, May 19, 1783.

For three months the representatives of the two nations worked dili-
gently—the new empire, comprehending territory greater than that of all
Europe, must necessarily have time to adjust a commercial system of its
own. The final action of all the courts and nations waited on the issue
of America's negotiations with England. About the middle of August
Hartley received definite instructions from his court, and when France
and Spain had, on the 29th of the same month, declared their preparations
complete, the arrangements were made for the Americans to assemble in Mr.
Hartley's apartments, and the definitive treaty of peace was signed by Mr.
Hartley, John Adams, Dr. Franklin, and John Jay, on the 3d of Septem-
ber. What this important treaty involves, the rights and privileges it con-
fers, and the principle it acknowledges, are well known to every informed
student of general history. It should ever be remembered in this connec-
tion that, on the ratification of this treaty, not only was America preserved
from the designs of neighbors who coveted her domain, but saved also
from the necessity of seeking foreign alliances for safety, and left absolutely
free to form and perfect such a national government as her peculiar condi-
tions required, and whatever the wisdom of her people might be able to
suggest.

Mr. Hartley's sagacity, zeal, and unflinching devotion to the rights of
conscience and of liberty were greatly appreciated by the American com-
missioners. Franklin wrote him just before facing the perils of his home-
ward voyage :

"Passy, July 5, 1785.
To David Hartley, Esq., M.P.

I cannot quit the coast of Europe without taking leave of my ever
dear friend Mr. Hartley. We were long fellow labourers in the best of all
works, the work of peace. I leave you still in the field, but having finished
my day's task I am going home to go to bed: wish me a good night's rest
as I do you a pleasant evening. Adieu! and believe me as ever yours
most affectionately,

B. Franklin
in his 80th Year."

Vol. XXIV.— No. 6.-29

442 DAVID HARTLEY AND THE AMERICAN COLONIES

On the 27th of October, 1785, Franklin wrote to Mr. Hartley from
his Philadelphia home, acknowledging a gift, saying : " I received from
Havre de Grace six copies of your print, which I have brought with me
hither. I shall send one to Mr. Jay, and give the others among some
friends who esteem and respect you as I do."

These six large mezzotint prints were engraved after the painting by
Romney, which represents Hartley seated by a table, on which lies the
definitive treaty of peace, his right hand resting near the scroll, in the
background the pen and ink with which he is about to write his autograph ;
from one of these prints, in possession of the writer, the portrait is made
which accompanies this article — as the frontispiece to the magazine.

Mr. Hartley's friendship and admiration for Mr. Jay, with whom he
was frequently in correspondence respecting American affairs, were most
cordial and enduring, of which the following letter is an illustration :

" London, March 2d, 1784.
My dear Sir:

I return you my best thanks for your much esteemed favor of 22d of
February last and particularly for those very friendly sentiments which
you are so good as to express towards me. I assure you that similar senti-
ments are most sincerely reciprocal on my part. Your public and private
conduct has impressed me with unalterable esteem for you as a public and
private friend. I shall be very sorry to be deprived of any opportunity
of seeing you before your departure for America, but I am in hopes that
your ratifications may arrive time enough to give me an opportunity of ex-
changing the British ratifications with you personally as well as with our
other friends. The real pleasure it would give me to see you again before
your departure is an additional motive of anxiety to me to wish the speedy
arrival of the American ratification. Upon the earliest notice of such
arrival I shall immediately apply for the dispatch of our ratification : if
I should not have the good fortune to see you again I hope you will
always think of me as eternally and unalterably attached to the principles
of renewing and establishing the most intimate connexion of amity, inter-
course and alliance between our two countries.

I presume that the subject of American intercourse will soon be re-
sumed in parliament as the term of the present act approaches to its
expiration. The resumption of this subject in parliament will probably
give ground to some specific negociation — you know my sentiments already.
As to the little matters of money which you mention in your letter I will
take and settle them. I thank you for your enquiries concerning my

DAVID HARTLEY AND THE AMERICAN COLONIES 443

sister. She continues much in the same way as when you were at Bath —
that is to say as we hope in a fair way of final recovery though very
slowly. My brother is very well and returns you thanks for your obliging-
remembrance of him : he joins with me in sincere good wishes to yourself
and family and to the renovation of all those ties of consanguinity and
friendship which have for ages been interwoven between our respective
countries.

I am, Dear Sir, your very sincere

& obliged friend D. HARTLEY.

P. S. I beg my particular compliments & good wishes may be ex-
pressed for me to Mrs. Jay, and for all her present and future connexions
and concerns in life, & to our venerable old friend Moses."

During the public life of Mr. Hartley the horrors of the African slave
traffic awakened attention in England, and many philanthropists were
engaged in trying to solve the problem of how to check its progress. In
later days some of them saw the reward of their efforts and the fulfill-
ment of their highest hopes. But what Wilberforce and even Pitt and
Brougham debated and enforced with imperishable words, Mr. Hartley
originated. He was the first to move in the house of commons that the
African slave-trade be abolished, " as a violation of the laws of God and
the rights of man," and the fire which he kindled has never died out.
Freedom is Heaven's gift to man, the inheritance of the race, and sooner
or later all people, of whatever zone or nationality, shall know its blessings.
Mr. Hartley was an untiring student of the sciences, and wrote several
works of importance, of which " An account of some experiments made with
plate, the description of the manner of application, and an estimate of the
expense" was published in 1776, and u An account of the method of securing
buildings and ships against fire, as presented to his Majesty" arrested the
attention both of the government and- the public, and led to the formation
of measures friendly to safety and human life. In similar studies and
philosophic investigations he devoted the closing years of his life. He
died at Bath in 18 13, aged eighty-four.

Mr. Hartley was a large, fine-looking man, of imposing presence, amiable,
gentle, dignified, and of courtly and pleasing address. His long fellowship
with the eminence, erudition, and statesmanship of his day rendered him
an exceptionally agreeable companion. While corresponding with Franklin
in the early part of their acquaintance, in his efforts to prevent a needless
war, John Adams went so far as to intimate that he was simply an English
spy, and cautioned the American commissioners against communicatioa

444 DAVID HARTLEY AND THE AMERICAN COLONIES

with him. Nothing that he ever did, however, justified any such suspicion.
While loyal to his government, and anxious and proud wheresoever its in-
fluence became extended, he would never purchase such desirable attain-
ments by any form of duplicity. Falsehood and deception may have their
missions, but in his judgment not even a kingdom should be secured by a
wrong. Truth was no mean pillar in holding up the world. His convic-
tions were always deeply grounded, and the product of generous, pure, and
conscientious thought.

The happiness and prosperity of our common humanity were the most
potent factors in his creed. In one special feature he was distinguished
above all his contemporaries who supported or controverted his views —
that was in the melody of his voice : amid the excitement of debate and
throes of feeling, he never forgot that words were as fully entitled to a rich
garb and musical utterance as when speaking on milder and less important
occasions. In this respect he challenged the admiration of his foes as
forcibly as he won the applause of his friends. In his charities he was
liberal, discriminating, and systematic, and he rejoiced when any cause
involving true benevolence was brought to his notice. His, sympathies
were always on the side of the oppressed, and he labored with enthusiasm
wherever any great and permanent good was likely to be accomplished,
and in every field of endeavor he was preeminently loyal to his convictions.
Under the principles which he so heroically avowed in parliamentary halls
America has indeed become what he predicted — " the Rising World."

'f£0 4?

THE INSTITUTION OF THANKSGIVING DAY, 1623

GROWTH OF BOSTON ANTICIPATED

As " Thanksgiving " has now become a national festival, the manner
in which it was first instituted has a peculiar interest. In the autumn of
1623, after the fruits of the harvest were gathered in, Governor Bradford
sent out a company for game, to furnish dainty materials for a feast. God
had blessed their labors, and this was to be a feast of thanksgiving. So
they met together and thanked God with all their hearts for the good
world and the good things in it.*

The Puritans felt the vast importance of sacred things, and were stren-
uous in carrying out their principles. They were careful to leave off labor
at three o'clock on Saturday afternoon to prepare for the Sabbath. They
went to church, heard sermons twice a day, each two hours long, heard
prayers and sang psalms of proportionate length, and enjoyed it. The
tithing-man passed round with his staff of office, on the one end of which
was a brass ball, on the other a tuft of feathers : with the former he
tapped the heads of the men who fell asleep during the sermon ; with the
latter he gently tickled the faces of the drowsy women.

They were not (in 1645) so democratic as to make no distinctions in
social life. The term "gentleman " was seldom used; the well-born and
the well-bred by courtesy received the title of Mr., while the common folk
were dignified with that of Goodman or Goody. These titles were some-
times taken away by the court as a punishment. It is recorded that Mr.
Josias Plaistow robbed an Indian of corn, for which he was sentenced to
lose his title of Mr., and thenceforth to be known only as Josias. Their
luxuries were few indeed, but the women prized none more highly than
that of tea. In those days it was customary for them to carry their own
china cup and saucer and spoon to visiting parties. To be the possessor
of a " tea equipage of silver," was deemed a worldly desire, to be sure, but
not of an objectionable kind ; it was commendable.

The people were prosperous. Industry and self-denial had wrought
wonders. Says an enthusiastic chronicler of the times : " The Lord hath
been pleased to turn all the wigwams, huts, and hovels the English dwelt

* From the excellent Concise History of the American People, by Jacob Harris Patton,
A.M., Ph.D., published by Fords, Howard & Hulbert.

446 THE INSTITUTION OF THANKSGIVING DAY, 1623

in at their first coming, into orderly, fair, and well-built houses, well fur-
nished many of them, with orchards filled with goodly fruit-trees, and gar-
den flowers." The people had numerous cattle and herds of sheep and
swine, and plenty of poultry ; their fields produced an abundance of wheat,
rye, oats, barley, and Indian corn ; and they could furnish fish, lumber,
and many commodities for export. " This poor wilderness hath equalized
England in food, and goes beyond it for the plenty of wine ; and apples,
pears, quince-tarts, instead of their former pumpkin pies. Good white and
wheaten bread is no dainty ; the poorest person in the country hath a
house and land of his own, and bread of his own growing — if not some
cattle."

These good things were not obtained without labor. Of the thirty-
two trades carried on, the most successful were those of the coopers, tan-
ners, shoemakers, and ship-builders. " Many fair ships and lesser vessels,
barques, and ketches were built." Thus the chronicler anticipates the
growth of Boston, which, " of a poor country village, is become like unto
a small city ; its buildings beautiful and large — some fairly set with brick,
tile, stone, and slate— orderly placed, with comely streets, whose continual
enlargement presageth some sumptuous city." They had their soldiers,
too, and a " very gallant horse troop," each one of which had by him
" powder, bullets, and match." Their enemies were graciously warned
that these soldiers " were all experienced in the deliverances of the Lord
from the mouth of the lion and the paw of the bear."

Though there has been associated with these colonists a certain austere
manner, chilling the heart of cheerfulness, yet let it not be forgotten they
had their innocent pleasure parties, especially when the neighbors joined
to aid each other in harvest-time or in house-raisings. The farmers and
their families were accustomed to go in groups at least once a year to
spend a season at the sea-shore and supply themselves with salt and fish.
They usually went at the close of harvest, when the weather was suitable
for camping out. If they rejected the festival of Christmas as a " relic of
Popery," they instituted Thanksgiving, and enjoyed it with as much relish
as the entire nation does to-day.

Jl^uj/b- OH-asvbu] (PaJfri&i.

LA SALLE'S HOMESTEAD AT LACHINE

Where is that block of four hundred and twenty acres of land on the
lower Lachine road, reserved in 1666 by Robert Cavelier Sieur de la Salle
as a homestead for himself? *

Samuel de Champlain established while governor of French Canada, be-
tween the years 1609 and 161 5, three fur trading posts ; one at Tadousac,
one at Three Rivers, the other at the head of the Lachine rapids, the old
Sault St. Louis, which for nearly fifty years was the most important trad-
ing post in the whole colony. This was about thirty years before the foun-
dation in 1642 of Montreal by Maisonneuve, and fully fifty years before
the appearance of La Salle at Lachine. The post established by Cham-
plain at the head of the rapids was built upon the present Fraser home-
stead farm, on the exact site where the ruins of Fort Cuillerier may now be
seen, ruins which have been often designated as those of La Salle's home.
Close by stood the old English king's posts, the most celebrated military
point in Canada during the war of 1812, the transferring post of navigation
prior to the building of the Lachine canal. Every British soldier, every
British regiment sailed westward in bateaux from this post and returned
here at the end of the war. A full account of the post and of all the
buildings about it at the time of its evacuation in 1826, was given in my
Sixth Summer Morning Walk around Montreal.

The writer is one of the very few now living who can recall and picture in
its almost primeval beauty the shore of the St. Lawrence river from the
foot of the La Salle common to the Windmill point. The scene within
these two short miles embraces the La Salle common of 1666, the English
king's posts of 181 2, the intended homestead of La Salle, the ruins of Fort
Cuillerier built on the site of Champlain's fur trading post of 161 5, the
old Penner farm, the St. Lawrence bridge, and the present novitiate of
the Fathers Oblats built on the spot on which Fort Remy of 1689 stood —
within the ground of the palisaded village of old Lachine laid out by La
Salle in 1666. There is not another historic two miles on the whole river
.front of the noble St. Lawrence from Gaspe to Kingston to compare with
this in its interesting places connected with the early history of Canada.

*■ The priests of the seminary of St. Sulpice, feudal owners of the island of Montreal, granted
La Salle a tract of land at an exposed and dangerous place, to which, in mockery of his schemes,
was afterward given the nickname of Lachine. These schemes involved no less than the discovery
of a way to China across the American continent. — Editor.

448 LA SALLE'S HOMESTEAD AT LACHINE

All Canadian readers, and others who take an interest in La Salle, will
be pleased to know that in placing before the public an account of this
property in 1884 I offered the site for a monument, still open to public ac-
ceptance. Canadians should bestir themselves and do something worthy
the memory of so great a man, the brightest figure either in Canadian or
American history. Lachine is the only place in Canada in which he had
a home. ■ Two and a quarter centuries ago this Frenchman, then an
adventurous youth, left Lachine in his bark canoe on a romantic voyage of
discovery. He traversed, or rather coasted, all our great inland lakes,
traveled through dense forests untrod by civilized man, sailed down
turbulent and unknown rivers, even reaching the mouth of the grand
Mississippi. Where does history exhibit another such a character?
Canada should be proud to do honor to her La Salle, and Canadians
should vie with each other in paying a tribute of respect to his memory.
Truly La Salle has left his footprints on the sands of Canada. Will
Canadians allow them to be blotted out ?

La Salle, it is true, needs no monument along our river. No storied
urn, no animated bust, to perpetuate or transmit to future generations the
great deeds of his life. This whole northern continent of America, bound-
less and vast, bears unmistakable traces of his travels. His discoveries
and explorations were all made in the interest of old France, the land of
his birth, the country he loved. Therefore, so long as the noble St. Law-
rence winds its course seaward and our great inland lakes exist as feeders
thereof, or the great and broad Mississippi rolls its mighty waters to the
main, these river banks and lake shores, if all else were mute, will silently
testify to the memory of that youthful hero.

Scotchmen above all men are jealous of family traditions, holding them
nearly as sacred as Holy Writ. When this homestead came into the
possession of my grandfather in 18 14, the interesting tradition was handed
down to him through the former French occupants, the Cuilleriers, the
Lapromenades, and others, that on the exact site where then stood in 18 14,
and still stand the ruins of Fort Cuillcricr, was Champlain's fur trading
post of 161 5, and that the three farms of the present Fraser estate, having
a frontage on the lower Lachine road of nine acres by a depth of forty-six
and two-third acres, a block of four hundred and twenty acres of land
bordering and adjoining the La Salle common of two hundred acres, was
the veritable four hundred and twenty acres reserved in 1666 by La Salle
as a homestead for himself. These three farms of the present Fraser estate
are still intact, the common adjoining them is still well known, and the
ruins of Fort Cuillerier built on the site of Champlain's fur post exist to

LA SALLE S HOMESTEAD AT LACHINE 449

mark the spot. I maintain that these farms comprise the actual block of
land selected by La Salle. No other on the road named between the
eastern boundary of* the old English king's post and the present Wind-
mill has any pretensions to being called La Salle's intended homestead,
except this one particular block. It is not to be supposed La Salle lived
altogether at his intended homestead during his short residence in Canada
of three years. He was preparing it for a permanent home, and dwelt
part of his time in a log house in his palisaded village, a fifteen minutes'
walk distant, or thereabouts. Our best authority on Canadian history,
particularly on old French Canada, is Parkman. He says, " La Salle set
apart a common two hundred arpents in extent, for the use of the settlers,
on condition of the payment by each of five sous a year. He reserved
four hundred and twenty arpents for his own personal domain. He had
traced out the circuit of a palisaded village and assigned to each settler
half an arpent, or about the third of an acre, within the enclosure." These
facts cannot be disputed ; the reserved homestead must have been as well-
known to La Salle himself as the common ground is now publicly known,,
and to a man of La Salle's taste for the beautiful, what more attractive
spot could he have chosen ? Here, be it remembered, was a trading post
fifty years old, and the most important one on the continent.

Between the years 1673 and 1676 Cuillerier converted the old fur post
into a fort constructed of wood, and later on, between 1689 and 171 3, the
present stone building was constructed and used as a trading post by the
Cuilleriers. At this important place in 1689 Vaudreuil on his return from
the scene of the massacre of Lachine rested with his five hundred men
before going to Montreal. Imagination fondly stoops to trace the picture
of those far-off days nearly three centuries ago, when Champlain stood at
the foot of the present Fraser hill, at the head of that once beautiful little
bay — now destroyed by the water works' basin — which stretched down
to the eastern boundary of the English king's posts, and was the first
smooth water from which a canoe could shoot out to reach the channel of
the river above the rapids. We see him surrounded by his escort band of
wild Iroquois, their canoes hauled up on the quiet shore beneath the shade
of the far-spreading primeval elms, ready to embark, to sail down the
Lachine rapids. There was not a foundation stone then laid in this now
great city of Montreal. The novelty and the excitement of the perilous
voyage must have made him oblivious to its danger.

La Salle was seigneur of Lachine and the founder of the palisaded vil-
lage consisting of fourteen acres, seven acres front by two deep, between
the present crossroad and the windmill. To this village he transferred

45° LA SALLE S HOxMESTEAD AT LACHINE

the fur-trading business from Champlain's old fur post. But from all we
can gather it does not appear that La Salle was a man of business or of
trade. Jean Millot, a trader of Ville Marie, Montreal, was the leading
spirit and afterwards purchased La Salle's rights to the village. It is a
curious fact that after La Salle departed and the attempt by Millot to
establish the fur trade in the palisaded village had failed, Cuillerier arrived
and re-established the business at Champlain's old post, and the Cuille-
riers and their successors carried it on for nearly a century. There is not
now, and there has not been for the past hundred years, a vestige remain-
ing of the " palisaded village " of 1666; buildings and palisades were all
constructed of wood, and have long ago crumbled and mingled with the
dust of ages.

Who planted those almost giant pear-trees, said to have been two hun-
dred years old in 1 8 14, when my grandfather took possession of this old
homestead? How old were they in La Salle's day, and did he partake of
their fruit? They must have been planted by the people in charge of
Champlain's trading post long before the days of the Cuilleriers. I can
easily mark the spots on which fifty-two of these trees stood in my young
years. One was so large and so open in the heart that the largest man on
the farm could stand upright inside of it. I have never since seen else-
where such pears — French pears — as that tree bore. They ripened about
the middle of August, and the pomme gries were double the size of any
now produced ; the famucs, and the Bourasa with its leather-like skin, were
a treat in midwinter ; and the bon Chretin pear was delicious.

During my grandfather's lifetime, as well as my father's, this old home
was known to. every Highlander in Canada and the far north. It was the
resort of the Scotch gentlemen of the Hudson Bay company; and the
Simpsons, the Raes, Mackenzies, Mackays, Keiths, Rowands, and McTav-
ishes, for some years during my mother's life used to walk down to the
old homestead on a Sunday afternoon, after service in the Scotch kirk, to
enjoy a real Highland treat of " curds and cream and oaten bread," with
pears and apples in season. And the young gentlemen could there expati-
ate freely over the scenes of their early homes in the Highlands of Scot-
land, in their own mother tongue, the Gaelic. My mother was courteous
to them because she had a brother, Paul Fraser, serving in the northwest,
who afterwards became a chief factor in the Hudson Bay company. The
Highlanders of Glengarry made this their stopping-place when they came
down to Montreal in winter-time with their sleigh-loads of butter and
pork.. I have seen six double sleighs arrive at once. The men would leave
their loads until they found sale for them in Montreal, then drive in and

LA SALLE'S HOMESTEAD AT EACH I Ml

451

deliver the goods. There was always plenty of food for man and beast,
with a true Highland welcome. Such were the grand old days of Cana-
dian hospitality. Captain Allan, the father of all the Allans and the foun-
der of the Allan's line of steamers, for several years paid annual visits to
the old Fraser home, obtaining his supplies of pontine gries, which he car-
ried to Glasgow, then to the West Indies, back again to Glasgow, and to
Montreal the following spring, the apples keeping quite sound. Few
people are now living who saw that antique homestead before the west
end kitchen addition was built in 1829, with its " Normandy stairway"
(outside) and its old French window, or door, opening into the flower gar-
den and pear orchard. The old " slave house " stood within thirty feet, to
the west of the house ; and the stone building now used as a barn, stand-
ing behind the house, was a mystery to all visitors, as it had gun-holes on
the front, rear, and sides. It was formerly a storehouse we suppose, but
why the gun-holes ? There were remains of palisades behind that old
building, which ran down to the rear of the ruins of Fort Cuillerier. The
front of the farm, three acres by two in depth, must have been palisaded
in 1689, when Vaudreuil encamped there with his five hundred men the
night after the massacre of Lachine. The old stone wall, ten feet high,
three acres in front by four deep, seems to have been built in the days of
the Cuilleriers.

The writer is preparing, after an absence of nearly fifty years, to return
to the old homestead, to seek shelter within its antiquated walls, to live
under the shadow of its far-spreading ancestral elms, and to watch over
the growth of a promising young pear orchard, as the exiled Acadians of
old returned to live and die amid the scenes of their young days upon the
shores of the Basin of Minas.

A TYPICAL OLD-TIME MINISTER

REV. BENJAMIN TAPPAN, 1720-179O

The- Puritan minister was a marked man in his day and generation.
There was about him something of that " divinity that doth hedge a king.'*
He was the centre not only of the religious but of the intellectual and
educational influences of the neighborhood. Distinguished from his
fellow-citizens by a clerical garb, and usually characterized by a dignified
not to say somewhat austere bearing, he was universally respected, and by
many, more especially of the younger sort, held in something like awe.

The ministers of the Puritan churches were required to be college-
educated men, and were thus placed at quite a remove from the major
part of the community in an age when opportunities even of a common-
school education were limited. They were often, too, men of wealthy or
aristocratic connections, and generally persons of weight of character.
Their position in the community, their influence in public affairs, and their
life-long term of settlement served to make them a distinct class, especially
in the country towns. Accustomed to a deference which it is almost
impossible for us to conceive, it is no wonder if their manners seemed
sometimes haughty and repellent, except with equals or near friends.*
They were men, however, almost without exception, who did honor to
their profession by their studious, frugal, exemplary lives. As a rule, they

were

"The support and ornament of virtue's cause."

If here and there one found entrance into the ministry whose abilities
were below mediocrity, there were others, like Thomas Shepard of Cam-
bridge and Nathaniel Ward of Agawam, whose scholarship was known
and recognized not only throughout the colonies but in tfre mother
country, and who were the peers of jurists and statesmen. On the whole,
the Puritan ministry was entitled to the veneration which was accorded it.

* Memoir of the Rev. Samuel Hidden, Tarn worth, N. H., ord. 1792. " At one time, going to
Ossipee to preach, he passed some men laboring near the roadside. They saw him passing, and
took off their hats in token of respect. One man, however, did not observe him until he had passed
beyondhim. He felt that he had offered an indignity to the man of God. Observing Mr. Hidden
to stop some ways beyond to converse with a stranger, he ran along the field beyond him, and there
busied himself until he should pass by. Soon he rode up, and the man made a most respectful bow,
' hat in hand.' "

A TYPICAL OLD-TIME MINISTER 453

The Rev. Benjamin Tappan of Manchester, Essex county, Massa-
chusetts, whose ministry of forty-five years closed by his death one
hundred years ago, was a good representative of the best type of a Puritan
clergyman. He was the son of Samuel Toppan of Newbury, Massa-
chusetts, born in 1720.* He was graduated from Harvard college when it
was a veritable " school of the prophets," in 1742, settled at Manchester
as successor to Rev. Ames Cheever, December 11, 1745, and died May 6,
i/Cp.f As in all similar instances in that province at the time, and for
many years afterward, Mr. Tappan was called and settled by vote of the
town. The time of the separation of church and state in Massachusetts
was still far in the future. The town called the minister, voted his salary,
built the meeting-house and parsonage, set apart ministerial lands, made
arrangements for ordinations, even to the supply of rum deemed necessary
on such occasions — in short, transacted all the business involved in eccle-
siastical relations that was afterward transferred to the parish. The
ministerial tax was levied on the taxable property, irrespective of creed or
religious preference.

Mr. Tappan's relations to the church and town appear to have been
cordial throughout his ministry. As a mark of confidence and esteem, he
was voted for three successive years a gift in addition to his salary, amount-
ing in 1769 to £46. The records show a mingled dignity and considera-
tion on the part of both pastor and people.

As Mr. Tappan's ministry covered the troublous period of the Revolu-
tion, with many years before and after, when the country was in an ex-
tremely depressed financial condition, it is not surprising to learn that at
one time the impoverished people were unable to pay the stipulated
salary. To the credit of the minister, we are told that " he maintained
uninterruptedly and with faithfulness the ministrations of his pastoral
duties." Such a course must have strengthened the ties that united pastor
and people in those " times that tried men's souls."

His theology was evidently of the type generally prevalent in the
" standing order " in New England in the latter half of the eighteenth
century. He appears to have belonged to the more conservative school.
As none of his sermons are extant, all that is known must be a matter of
inference. About 1760 a controversy arose between Mr. Tappan and

* Thus the name is spelled on the records until altered by Benjamin Tappan. Samuel was
grandson of Abraham Toppan, who came from Yarmouth, England, to Newbury in 1637, and died
in 1672. He married a daughter of the celebrated Rev. Michael Wigglesworth of Maiden, the
author of a lugubrious poem on " The Last Day."

f The original documents respecting the call, now yellow and worn with age, are in the posses-
sion of a great-grandson, Mr. William H. Tappan of Manchester.

454 A TYPICAL OLD-TIME MINISTER

Rev. John Cleaveland of Chebacco,* which has left its record in some
correspondence, preserved in a rare tract written by Mr. Cleaveland, and
entitled after the manner of the time, " A Plain Narrative," etc. Boston,
1767^ The case in brief was this: Some persons in Manchester, among
them the celebrated Edward Lee, " the apostolic fisherman," had for some
time been attending Mr. Cleaveland's ministry, alleging that Mr. Tap-
pan's preaching was Arminian. Some had gone so far as to join the church
in Chebacco, a grave offense in the eyes of our fathers, who considered the
parish a kind of ecclesiastical preserve to be jealously guarded against
ministerial and other poachers. Mr. Tappan, moreover, was one of the
New England ministers who were not in sympathy with Whitefield and
what were known as the " new measures," while Mr. Cleaveland was an
ardent supporter of the revival movement. Mr. Tappan complained of the
interference, as he considered it, with his rights as minister of Manchester,
and it seemed likely for a time that a serious and lasting strife would
be the consequence between the neighboring parishes. The language of
Parson Tappan in some of his letters bears a tinge of acerbity that, con-
sidering all the circumstances, is perhaps no occasion for wonder. Mr.
Cleaveland appears to have been a man who had " the courage of his con-
victions," was skilled in debate, and a firm and decided but courteous con-
troversialist. The case was a typical one. It was but a skirmish of out-
posts. Yet the conflict which a half century later convulsed and in many
instances divided the churches of New England was already impending.

In common with most of the ministers of the Revolutionary period, Mr.
Tappan was an ardent patriot. He not only counselled resistance to the
oppressive measures of the king in council and gave two of his sons to
the continental army, but when the British cruisers were menacing the
shores of Massachusetts bay he carried his musket with him to meeting,
leaving it at the foot of the pulpit stairs. If not a " fighting parson," it
appears that it was only because the opportunity was wanting. Of Mr.
Tappan's manner and style of preaching not even an anecdote remains.
We can imagine him in knee-buckles and small-clothes, in bands and wig;
he is said to have been stout and well built, and fancy pictures him as
somewhat grave and sedate. No portrait of him exists. We are led to
infer that he had few of those personal peculiarities which tradition is
wont to preserve. Nor have we any means of rehabilitating the old

* Formerly a parish of Ipswich, Massachusetts, incorporated as the town of Essex, February 5.
1819.

f Copies of this tract are in the library of the American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, and
of the Essex Institute, Salem, Massachusetts.

A TYPICAL OLD-TIME MINISTER 455

parsonage with its active, intelligent, busy life. If its walls had had the
power of speech, what eloquent tales might they have rehearsed of those
eventful years in our history as a town and a nation from 1745 to 1 790.

Dr. Ezekiel W. Leach, in his manuscript history of Manchester, says of
Mr. Tappan : " His character as a scholar was very respectable, as appears
from the testimony of his professional brethren, among whom, as among
the people of his charge, he was highly esteemed and his death deeply
lamented." And Dr. Leach, who was born in 1809, must have known
many in his youth and early manhood who wrere the parishioners and
acquaintances of Mr. Tappan. That he was a man of strong character is
shown not only by his hold for so many years upon the town, but by the
character of his descendants. Of these it is said by William H. Tappan,
in his history of Manchester,* that Mr. Tappan " had eleven children,
among whom was Benjamin, an eminent, citizen of Northampton ; David,
who was made Hollis professor of divinity at Harvard college in 1792,
and who died in 1803, [°f whom] Dr. Holmes remarks, ' His death threw
a gloom over his bereaved family, over the university, the church, the
commonwealth, and the country ;' f Samuel and Amos became successful
educators, and Ebenezer and Michael were in the army of 1776." Eben-
ezer is said to have been " the last survivor of the soldiers of the Revolu-
tion in this town." A grandson of Mr. Tappan, Rev. D. D. Tappan, died
in Topsfield, Massachusetts, January 15, 1890, at the age of ninety-two.

Many of his descendants still live in Manchester, to the third and
fourth generation, and not a few have been persons of influence in
different walks of life. Among others may be mentioned Arthur and
Lewis Tappan of New York, both well known for their connection with
anti-slavery and the cause of freedom in the territories ; Rev. William B.
Tappan, long connected with the American Sunday-school Union, and
author of the favorite hymns " 'Tis midnight, and on Olive's brow," etc.,
and "There is an hour of peaceful -rest," etc., and others; William H.
Tappan of Manchester, notary public and ex-senator, author of a history
of Manchester above referred to. The family has always been distin-
guished for intelligence and public spirit.

The house in which Mr. Tappan lived, long known as " the old red
house," and said by tradition never to have been painted any other color,
stood on the east side of School street, opposite Friend court. It is
described " as a fine old house in early times, the walls being plastered
with mortar made of burnt clam-shells and sand." It was of " the long

* History of Essex County, Massachusetts. Philadelphia, 1888. Vol. II., pp. 1249-1298.
f Vide Lempriere's Univ. Biog., Vol. II., p. 695.

456 A TYPICAL OLD-TIME MINISTER

sloping roof style, probably built about the time of the first parsonage
house," in 1685. It was purchased by the town in 1745 for Mr. Tappan ;
connected with it were about five acres of land on the northerly side of
Saw Mill Brook. The demolition of this house a few years ago was
greatly regretted by all who have a regard for " the ancient landmarks
which the fathers have set." A small room, without any means of heating
and with only one window, on the ground floor to the left of the side
door, was pointed out by tradition as Mr. Tappan's study. If a facetious
clerical visitor, on " exchange," had ventured to say to the occupant, as
was once said by a wag to a notable character, " Why, there is not room
enough to swing a cat in it," Parson Tappan might no doubt have replied
gravely, " I do not swing cats." On one occasion the writer craved per-
mission to enter the little sanctum, but found, as he might have expected,
that a " prophet's chamber " does not necessarily impart a prophet's
inspiration. Much as the removal of such a house is to be regretted as a
matter of sentiment, it is perhaps better that it should not have longer
survived its usefulness, to be occupied by unsympathetic tenants.

Mr. Tappan lived and died among his own people. He was buried in
the old burying-ground on Summer street. The common stone above his
grave is in good preservation, and the lettering quite legible. It bears
the inscription, presumably written by his son David :

In Memory of

Benjamin Tappan, A.M.,

late pastor of the church in Manchester,

who expired May 6, 1790,

in the 70th year of his age,

and 45th of his ministry.

Every age is to some extent the product of the ages that precede it.
The generations overlap each other in their influence as well as in their
physical life. " One soweth and another reapeth." Like the Israelites in
Canaan, we enter into possession of houses that we builded not, and wells
that we digged not, and vineyards and olive-yards that we planted not.
We owe a great debt to our Puritan ancestry. Few and fragmentary as
are the facts which have been preserved respecting the life of the old-time
minister, and shadowy as his figure may be to us, his character is still
molding the life of the community after the lapse of a hundred years.

&.?.&&

Manchester, Massachusetts.

GLIMPSES OF EARLY MICHIGAN LIFE

IN AND ABOUT KALAMAZOO

Among the pioneers of southern Michigan life had little variety and
no thrilling incidents. Yet the history of each town furnishes material of
special interest. The soil was easy to cultivate, the best of wood for
building and fuel purposes was close at hand, the climate was favorable to
the production of all varieties of grain and the ripening of fruits, and the
natural water-supply was not excelled anywhere in the world.

It was the broken ties of fond associations — the parting with dear-
est of friends, that made emigration to Michigan in the " thirties " so
hard. Fortunately the brave men and women brought with them to
their new homes the culture of their former eastern or southern life, and
their quiet, gentle manners offered no inducement for the influx of that
wild, coarse element which has so frequently characterized newly settled
countries. Traces of these good beginnings are still to be found after
a lapse of fifty-eight years, in the continued demand for intelligence and
refinement among persons ambitious for social prestige — wealth and its
accompanying glitter not being considered sufficient in itself to gain its
usual influence in one of these little towns, which is so often to be
deplored in our large cities.

Many of these early settlers had known affluence and its consequent
advantages, but from various causes had decided to seek new homes in a
new state. Meeting for one purpose in the wilds of Michigan, though
from different sections of the country, they formed friendships which make
the attachments of our more modern civilization seem cold.

The region in and about Kalamazoo at this time (1832) was beautiful
beyond words ; none but those who beheld it can conceive of the peaceful
beauty of the prairies, the rolling hills, and the oat-openings. James Feni-
more Cooper gives an excellent idea of the appearance of this country.
During the summer it was like one extended garden, the ground being
covered with flowers ; and such small fruits as strawberries, blackberries,
wild plums, and grapes grew in rich profusion. The custom of the
Indians of burning the rank grass and vegetation of the prairies and
openings destroyed all the underbrush and accumulation of the past year,
leaving it in almost as perfect condition as an English park, which accounts

Vol. XXIV.— .No. 6.-30

458 GLIMPSES OF EARLY MICHIGAN LIFE

in a great measure for the wide view to be secured through the woods, the
fire burning the lower branches of the trees as well as the underbrush,
leaving nothing to obstruct the vision.

Wolves and bears made only occasional raids on the small herds the
pioneers brought with them, but when they found the flocks unguarded by
the wearied owners, it was always the prizes of the flock which were carried
off or injured. The Indians as a rule were friendly, and the people
came to rely upon the word given by a Pottawatomie as implicitly as that
given by a white man. An Indian of this tribe on one occasion bought of
our family a bag of flour, and promised to pay for it with venison after so
many moons, I believe seven months. The purchase had slipped our
minds, when early one frosty morning in walked our Indian friend, true to
the appointed hour, with a large haunch of venison. For years the doors
of the early settlers' homes were strangers to bolts and bars ; and it was
not an unusual occurrence to find of a cold morning Indians rolled in
their blankets on the kitchen floor enjoying the heat from the great fire-
place in front of which they had been quietly sleeping, having noiselessly
crept in after the family had retired — and with a grunted salutation they
as silently took their departure at early break of day.

Learning through years of business experiences with these Indians
their many good qualities, it will ever remain an open question in the
minds of Michigan pioneers whether the Indians have not been sinned
against as much as sinning ; especially when the Bronson people recall
the cruel order for these red men to relinquish the reservation that
our noble republic had given them " to hold as long as grass 'should grow
and waters run." The memory of the heart-rending cries and moans of
these poor Pottawatomies while they were visiting the places of their
dead for the last time arouses a bitter feeling in the minds of many in
that little settlement who witnessed it, and knew how unnecessary and
cruel was such a mandate.

The first person I met on my arrival in Bronson (now Kalamazoo) was
a young Indian girl of about fourteen years ; she ferried me across the
river to the village. She was large and muscular, with rosy cheeks, and
hair which at one time might have been yellow, but was now sadly faded,
making it apparent she had seldom known other than nature's covering for
her head. She wore a coarse cotton dress of copperas color; the sleeves
came just to the elbow, leaving exposed a strong wrist ; the neck of the
waist was cut quite low, and was fastened behind by a large brass button ;
the next fastening to this dress was another brass button on the broad
belt, and both glistened in the sun as her body moved to the stroke of her

GLIMPSES OF EARLY MICHIGAN LIFE 459

paddle. Each moment, it seemed to me, would be the last of her buttons,
for I expected to see them fly as did " Peggotty's," while the girl bent to
her work; but I learned afterward that these buttons were the safe and
crowning glory of this young woman's attire ; by them she was known
the country round as "Big Button Sail." She was kind and good-natured,
always ready to assist in sickness or trouble; in her wild, free life she-
had learned much which she could tell the new-comers, and she would
carry a friend in her canoe to where the grapes grew in abundance over-
hanging the river, or inform them of the secret places where the choicest
berries ripened. Her family, like many of the early settlers, left as soon
as civilization made a demand for a change in their habits.

For a time the earliest church meeting was held in the " Kalamazoo
House " kitchen, as often as the circuit rider made the town a visit, which
occurred about, once in four weeks. This was one of the few occasions
when one's best clothes, brought from the civilized world, might be worn.

The extemporized seats for these religious gatherings were made of
split logs, the round side up, the flat side being laid on blocks placed at
wide intervals. The sermons were of the good old orthodox school, and
gave the handful of listeners food for thought of the most vivid character;
and between the torments we were encouraged to believe we might endure
in the future, and in the very present torture of the slippery round seats,
there was not much danger of the speaker having an indifferent audience.
After the slab schoolhouse was built church services were held there.

The summer of 1834 found the village increased to twenty houses, and
though some of these little homes were built for large families not one of
them could boast of more than three or four rooms; yet all or nearly all
the families were willing to take in the temporary guest, or board the for-
lorn bachelor who was vainly endeavoring to make a home for himself.
And how eagerly would the word pass from house to house when an emi-
grant wagon was seen approaching. The new-comers received as. warm
a welcome as though they had been old acquaintances, gladly in turn
answering the eager questions of the homesick pioneers about the old
home life that seemed so far away. By the time the wagons were un-
loaded and the inmates housed, every inhabitant in the settlement knew
the quantity and quality of the personal possessions of the strangers.

The year 1834 is styled by the pioneers as "the year of the great
blow." The storm occurred October 18 and made sari havoc in the little
community ; many families were left without a roof to their houses, and
their furniture was torn to pieces and scattered to the winds. Many were
terribly bruised by the falling timbers and chimneys ; others barely escaped

460 GLIMPSES OF EARLY MICHIGAN LIFE

with their lives, bearing scars to this day, eloquent marks of the dangers
of a tornado. Those who could found shelter with friends whose homes
were fortunately outside of the track of the storm ; others took refuge in
the schoolhouse, which served as both court-house and church. Sixteen
slept in this little building for a time, cooking by a neighboring stove, their
own stoves all having been destroyed by the storm.

It was not long before new dwellings took the place of the ruined ones,
as all the neighbors lent a helping hand to those in distress. The time
occupied in building a house was short. The lack of glass restricted the
number of windows, and the luxury of plastered walls was yet in the future ;
grand staircases were formed by driving pegs into the wall. The process
of erecting a barn or house was rendered quite a social affair, those invited
to assist being served with a grand dinner in honor of the occasion. A
long temporary table was set in the yard on the shady side of the house —
and such good things as were placed upon it ! Tender little roasted pigs
were placed standing on a big blue and white platter at one end of the
table, a large venison pie at the other end, while choicely cooked vege-
tables were arranged between ; these vegetables I am sure were larger and
better than our hot-house gardeners raise to-day. Coffee sweetened with
maple-sugar and large twisted fried-cakes formed the dessert, with the
addition of melons of enormous size, if in season. The love of the beauti-
ful was evidenced in the ever-present bouquet of wild flowers, ferns, or
autumn leaves, though it was only too often a difficult matter to find a
receptacle for them, crockery being so scarce that only the most urgent
needs could be supplied.

Though the work was almost constant and very hard, often falling on
shoulders unaccustomed to labor, yet there is not one of these brave
pioneers living whose face, should you allude to those days past and gone,
will not lighten and brighten and expand in a pleasant smile as —

" The thoughts come and idly turn
The leaves of memory's sketch-book."

Even among those who were building new homes with but little
-mechanical assistance, and feeding the many mouths without other aids
than nature's raw productions, were found many opportunities for social
intercourse and innocent gayeties. For instance, few brought with them
to the new country refined sugar, and those who did guarded it jealously,
only producing the luxury on rare occasions; thus the main dependence
for the necessary supply of saccharine was on what the Indians made,
or our own manufacture of maple-sugar. During the sugar season the

GLIMPSES OF EARLY MICHIGAN LIFE 461

bare, leafless woods rang with the merry voices of young people while
they gathered the sap to be brought into the temporary camp for " boiling
down." During one of these " sugar bees," which had lasted for several
days, fatiguing every one with the night work of watching fires and stirring
the big caldron of boiling sap, a young lady who had recently come from
the East insisted upon taking a share of the night work among the sugar-
makers; after considerable persuasion on her part, her two brothers who
were to watch with her consented to go into the little hut near by and lie
clown for a short time, the young lady promising to call them when they
were needed. For a time all went well ; the moonlight was charming,
and the air soft and sufficiently warm to admit of a free run of sap. When
she found it unsafe to keep a large fire, and had stirred the slowly thicken-
ing syrup until her arms ached, she found she had nothing to do but
gaze into the subdued flames or among the trees and their dark shadows.
She began suddenly to realize the lorieliness of her position ; the intense
silence became oppressive, and all the stories she had ever heard of the
horrors of a wilderness came to her mind with startling vividness. As
the moon sank lower and darkness deepened, it took all the strength
of spirit she possessed to keep from calling her tired brothers who were
sleeping in the shanty a few rods away. At length, incited by an un-
conscious impulse, she glanced up into the leafless boughs of a tree
against the trunk of which she was leaning, and saw two big burning
eyes gazing down upon her ; with a masterly effort she swallowed the
choking sensation in her throat, and kept breathlessly still for an
instant, then, gathering courage, to make sure she was not deceived she
looked up again. Oh, heavens ! the eyes were bigger and nearer her
than ever! What could it be? The darkness might hide the form of an
Indian, a panther — or did wolves climb? Just at that instant a large piece
of bark was thrown violently down, followed quickly by another, and with
one wild yell and a bound for the shanty, the young girl landed by her
brothers' side, almost dead with fright. When the source of her scare
came to be investigated, it proved to be a very lonesome owl just rousing
himself for his night's entertainment.

Gathering wild plums, which grew in great abundance and made ex-
cellent preserves, was another source of recreation for the young people,
as were also picking berries and nuts, and fishing; many a time has the
writer of this sketch gone out for a few hours of a cloudy morning to
some one of the numerous little lakes about the settlement, and caught
enough pickerel and bass- for a dinner for the entire village. There were
occasional social gatherings for wool picking, but owing to the scarcity of

462 GLIMPSES OF EARLY MICHIGAN LIFE

crockery, few having more than enough for their immediate family wants,
the number invited was necessarily limited.

Evenings after the day's hard work was over were usually spent around
the large fireplace. By the light of the blazing logs and one tallow " dip"
some member of the family would read aloud, while the women knit and
sewed and the men contrived some household or farm utensil. In our
own home circle we read all of Scott, Burns, Cooper, Pope, Tom Paine,
Plutarch's Lives, Gibbon, and a few other books brought from home, until
the characters and thoughts of the writers became more familiar to our
household than the mere titles of their works are to many families of
to-day who have access to the best libraries. These few books were
passed from house to house in the settlement and eagerly read, and by
the time they were returned to their owners they were so well thumbed
as to be almost illegible. For the children The Scottish Chiefs and
Alonzo and Melissa were worn literally to fragments by repeated readings,
and with sorrow they were consigned to the flames only after the opening
and closing chapters had entirely disappeared, and some of the important
middle leaves, under the handling of young fingers.

The years 1834 and 1835 were perhaps the hardest for those who
caught the ague, whole families being prostrated at the same time, with no
one to hand the aching, burning sufferers a drink of water. It was a period
when man's fellowship to man appeared in its best and brightest light :
the kind neighbor who had become acclimatized would pass from house to
house where the sick ones lay alternately shaking and burning, and offer
them the cooling drink and sympathizing voice; and what was better
still, when the chills were over these angels of mercy would assist in
preparing the oceans of food the dread disease invariably demanded.
Midst all these trials of sickness and hard labor there were many happy
moments for the little colony, and though the society was necessarily
restricted in the extent of its pleasures, still the enjoyments sought were
those of refined people. Few of the old settlers are living who will not
remember our beautiful "green," made smooth and clean from having been
for years the old tenting-ground of the Indians. Long after the Indians
left it this place was where young people met to walk, talk, and court
under the branches of the native burr-oaks. One charming moonlight even-
ing several met by invitation at the residence of Colonel G. A. O'Brien
and his lady, thence the host and hostess and their guests adjourned to
this beautiful " green " for an improvised dance. At that time there were
no regular musicians ; yet ever ready for an emergency, as pioneer life
demanded, one of the guests, Dr. E. A. Atlee, handled the violin with as

GLIMPSES OF EARLY MICHIGAN LIFE 463

much grace as though he had made it the business of his life to play for
dancing, satisfactorily discoursing the music for the stately minuet and
other dances. Long will live the memory of that scene as witnessed by
one of the number present — the old gentleman in his picturesque costume
of small-clothes, black silk stockings, knee buckles, deep waistcoat, cut-
away coat, and broad-brimmed hat, throwing his whole soul into the spirit
of the moment ; his head well back, bringing into relief his clean-shaven,
handsome face. By his side stood his little wife, watching the light move-
ments of the dancers as they flitted to and fro in the shadowy light of the
moon. When they had finished dancing the doctor turned with courtly
grace to his wife and said : " Madam, I have done my humble best for the
entertainment of the guests, can you not also contribute something?"
She complied by singing in a sweet, clear, rich voice a German ballad.
Perhaps the same song under other circumstances would not have left so
deep an impression, but the entrancing beauty of this July night — the
knowledge that only within a few years had the surroundings known other
than the footsteps of the red man — added to the effect ; the most perfect
silence reigned, not a sound that was familiar to city life broke upon the
melody ; it was the juxtaposition of the culture of civilization with the
hush and solemn beauty of nature, which made this event so memorable.

To attend a ball or party during the winter occasioned great exertion
on the part of the belles. In looking over the experiences of two or three
of the young women as compared with those of modern times, the pioneers
do not wonder that " the young people of the present day do not know
how to' enjoy themselves; no such balls are given now as then."

If the attaining of the unattainable, surmounting all sorts of difficulties
to achieve an end — in other words, " if things dear-bought and far-fetched
are more valuable," then those winter balls must have been the very
quintessence of parties, and the maidens invited must have been the most
favored of damsels. Imagine a society belle going to a ball some ten or
twelve miles distant, riding over a rough road which must be experienced
to be understood, in the middle of winter, wearing her best party gown of
white muslin, low necked and short sleeves! She was, of course, well
wrapped and bundled, but the comfort was generally secured at the price
of ruining the fresh appearance of the dress. These merry maidens were
generally taken to parties in "jumpers" — home-made conveyances which
for the beaux of 1832 were what the present natty little cutters are to
modern young men — a very much prized vehicle in which to convey one's
best girl for a drive. It consisted of two long bent hickory poles for
runners and thills combined ; four holes were burned in the runners, into

464 GLIMPSES OF EARLY MICHIGAN LIFE

which were firmly fastened four stakes or supports for the cross-pieces;
which held the box or body of the sleigh ; the box was usually made of
rough boards, with a board across the top for a seat, but happy was the
young man who could proudly invite his young lady to a drive in a crock-
ery crate rather than in the ordinary rough box.

In no phase of life is the social element, in its truest and best sense, so
well developed as in these narrow circles, where each is dependent on the
other for all that makes life pleasurable. Who has not felt utter isolation,
oppressive and perfect loneliness, in a crowded city thoroughfare? In
looking over old letters and journals which vividly recall past experiences,
it is surprising to find how constant was the interchange of brotherly feel-
ing ; the hand of good-fellowship was extended to one and to all. In this
hurried, feverish, business life, how strange it seems to remember that
once an invitation to tea implied an afternoon visit, beginning at one or
two o'clock and returning home by the light of the moon ; if invited
to spend the day, one was expected as soon as the morning's work was
done. Neither was it necessary to wait for an invitation, especially when
it was known that a sister neighbor had an extra hard day's work before
her; a number would frequently join together into a sort of surprise party,
and with many hands and happy stories make light and pleasant that
which had seemed such a heavy burden to the housekeeper. It was not
until what was known as "wild cat times," when everybody went specu-
lation mad, that this agreeable social feeling began to decline. The land-
speculation fever brought to Michigan many who had no interest in estab-
lishing homes or improving the country — merely a floating population,
that bane of social existence. Stages would bring and carry these people ;
bringing, but alas ! not taking away the germs of discontent created.

The little village is a miniature embodiment of the growth of our coun-
try ; as the town grew in numbers it lost much of its social character, and
there was great longing for the free and happy days departed. We are
thankful that this pioneer life contained nothing of the wild, adventure-
some spirit of the Oklahoma settlers ; nor the poverty, the uncertain
crops, the dreary stretches of the frozen, wind-swept country of Dakota ;
nor had these settlers forsaken home and country for conscience' sake as
did our forefathers, willing to suffer that they might be free. Viewed in
these comparative lights, the pioneers of southern Michigan had very few
hardships to endure.

Kalamazoo, Michigan.

OUR OLD WEBSTER'S SPELLING-BOOK

It lies before me — the genuine article ; not the identical copy I used and
was brought up on, long time ago, but of the same edition. It is nearly
as old as I am, and has come spelling its way along down through two-thirds
of a century, to these odd times. How long it has lain in the Boston
Antiquarian bookstore where I found it thirty-five years ago, I cannot
tell. It is an institution — yes, a university. It has trained and strained
more heads than any other book of the kind ever did, or perhaps ever will.
Later editions have been sent out ; but give me the old wine, which to my
liking is better. Very plain, even homely in outward appearance. Never
mind. Homely people are generally the best. The back of the cover is
of coarse linen cloth — very coarse — threads within sight of each other.
The sides of cover are of layers of brown paper, with an over-all of thin
blue paper. The paper and pages within look as if they might have come
from a mill using bleached straw and slacked lime, with a little sulphur
thrown in to give the tinting.

And now as to the contents, the meat and marrow. Quite a book in
size — one hundred and sixty-eight pages. The preface we did not have to
read. But the next half-dozen pages, " Analysis of Sounds," we in our
school had to commit to memory and recite. This amazed us, and
does still. Just to think of a child eight or nine years old required to
recite understandingly the opening sentence : " Language, in its more
limited sense, is the expression of ideas by articulate sounds." You
might about as well set a child to comprehending those vast themes, verities
so important, but how profound, viz. : The wherefore of the why, the
thingness of the this, and the thusness of the though. Makes one think
of Horace Greeley, who, after reading agrandiloquent communication sent
to him for the press, said of it, that it " obfuscated all his intellects, and
circumgumfrigobrighisticated all his comprehensibilities."

And come to the ABC page. In my times of old we children
learned our A B C's at school, and not at home from lettered blocks and
other knick-knacks as in these latter days. Some of those first days at
school were quite impressive to the looker-on and listener. High day
when we advanced to table No. 2 — bag, big, bog. But the almost dizzy
elevation when we ascended and attained to — baker, brier, cider, crazy.
It is very observable this placing crazy after cider. Here are fact and

466 OUR OLD WEBSTER'S SPELLING-BOOK

philosophy, cause and effect ; indeed, a temperance lecture entire.
In my ancient times the spelling lesson was studied column by column
from the spelling-book, and spelled by the classes old and young standing
on the floor — the scholar taking his place, and keeping it if he could the
month in and out, without having his head cut off every night, a rather
discouraging operation to an aspiring lad or lass. One winter is remem-
bered when a boy kept such headship all through the term, and carried off
the great prize — a punched and pendent silver ninepence, tow-string and
all. At a noted spelling-match in a neighboring town, visitors were
invited to give in their names and take part in the contest. Sides were
chosen. Came out even at eight o'clock P.M. Another choosing up.
Came out even again at nine. " Let us have this out.-" One from each
side must go upon the floor and spell for the side. Against aforesaid boy
was placed an older person, a teacher who had taught school four summers.
Plied and pumped with the spelling-book fore and aft, and aft and fore.
" The combat deepens." By and by the word apropos was put to the
fairer and gentler, and she spelled it " appropos," putting in too many/s,
and the boy getting it right carried off the glitter.*

And what a day that was when we stood on the hill-top of human
greatness and grappled with our first reading lesson ! " No man may put
off the law of God ; " " my joy is in his law all the day." See that boy in
his mighty wrestlings to spell out the words ! Lips move vigorously ;
brow knit ; book turned this way and that, to give room for the great idea
to come in ; his whole frame writhing and screwed down hard and tight to
the supreme task. Perhaps he will " fetch it," perhaps not ; but will come
out of the throes as an older boy did from the word picturesque — pronounc-
ing it picturesque e. But don't you give that small boy up. There is prom-
ise for him in such energy and bent asthat.

Then a succession of easy and familiar lessons. But come to the fables
and the pictures. Here is richness. Putting on the spectacles of my
ancientness, I have been looking anew through the old spelling-book to see
how, on the whole, the old friend would appear to one in these latter days
to which it and I have come down. Grandly, sir, is my ready answer; never
before handsomer than now — I mean the book. And so will it appear to
you, from the glance or the scrutiny, if you be the sensible man I take
you for.

A. M. COLTON

* These charming reminiscences of the 'Rev. A. M. Colton, extracted from The Old Meeting'
House and Vacation Papers, recently published by Worthington Company, will touch many a ten-
der chord in the memory of readers familiar with the old New England spel ling-school.

SOME LITERARY STATESMEN

When, some years ago, bluff old Senator Cameron referred to the

newspaper men of the capital as " them literary fellows," with an

expletive supplying the blank, he unwittingly bestowed a cognomen which
has ever since stuck by the tribe.

It is not the purpose of this article to treat of the particular class
of writers'to which the Pennsylvania statesman immediately referred, but
rather of those members of the literary guild to be found in the great
official household, of which he was himself an honored and exalted mem-
ber. There has been more or less of the literary instinct in our congress
ever since the days of the illustrious Benton of Missouri, when he gave to
the world his ponderous Thirty Years View, being principally a resume' of
public events during the period of his service in the senate, which extended,
as he was accustomed to say, through " six Roman lustrums." Indeed, it
may be stated that this instinct has been manifest in our national legis-
lators during the whole history of the government, from the pamphleteer-
ing days of 1790, down through the intermediate era of heavy leaders and
three column communications, to the present time.

Whether there is something in the atmosphere of legislative halls con-
ducive to the growth of this literary spirit, or the inspiration comes from
the manifold and splendid opportunities which our libraries and scientific
institutions in the capital afford the literary worker, it is not material to
inquire. The only purpose of the present writing is to glance briefly at the
work in this field a few of our statesmen are doing in the present, or have
done in the immediate past.

Of those placed in the past tense unfortunately by the hand of death,
the mind at once reverts to the late Samuel S. Cox, so long known to the
political and the literary world by his title of " Sunset Cox." The story
of how this cognomen attached to him early in his career, from a bit
of florid writing in the'columns of an Ohio newspaper, has been told again
and again. It is conceded by friend and foe alike that he was one of the
brightest all-around men who ever graced the halls of our national legis-
lature. His statesmanship was equaled by his keen and delicate wit,
and these in turn did not surpass his learning and scholarly attainments.
During a most busy life he found time to give to the world many books,
among which may be mentioned A Buckeye Abroad, published by G. P.
Putnam of New York in 1852 ; Eight Years in Congress, from 1857 to 1865,

468 SOME LITERARY STATESMEN

from the press of D. Appleton in 1865 ; A Search for Winter Sunbeams
in the Riviera, Corsica, Algiers, and Spain, from the same press in 1870;
Why We Laugh, published by Harper Brothers in 1876; Free Land and
Free Trade, from the Putnams in 1880 ; and from the same in 1882, Arctic
Sunbeams, or, From Broadway to the Bosphorus by Way of the North Cape ;
and Orient Sunbeams, or, From the Porte to the Pyramids by Way of Palestine.
Then came Three Decades of Federal Legislation, from the press of the
Reids in Providence in 1885, being personal and historical memoirs cover-
ing the long period of his service, in the house, and perhaps his most im-
portant work. The list closes with Diversions of a Diplomat in Turkey,
from C. L. Webster & Co., in 1887, and The Isles of the Princes, or, The
Pleasures of Prinkipo, from the Putnams in the same year.

Among the statesmen of the present congress no one takes a higher
place as a litterateur than the Hon. Henry Cabot Lodge, the representa-
tive from the sixth Massachusetts district. He was a writer of books
before he became a legislator, and his reputation to-day, both as a man
of letters and as a law-giver, is one to be envied. He is a graduate of
Harvard, a Doctor of Philosophy, was for three years Harvard lecturer on
American history, also a lecturer in Lowell Institute, and has been in turn
associate editor of the North American Review and the International
Review. His' Short History of the English Colonies was planned while he
lectured at Harvard, and was afterward delivered in the Lowell course.
His published works embrace Life and Letters of George Cabot, the author's
great-grandfather, published in 1877 ; Albert Gallatin, from the Scribners'
press in 1879 > Ballads and Lyrics, from Houghton, Mifflin & Qompany in
1880 ; Last Forty Years of Town Government, J. R. Osgood & Co., in 1881 ;
A Short History of the English Colonies in America, from the Harpers in the
same year.

Then came his Alexander Hamilton, and Daniel Webster, in 1882 and
1883, being two notable contributions to the American Statesman series.
From the same press came in 1884 Studies in History, comprising eleven
notable subjects ; and in 1889 he published George Washington, another of
the American Statesman series. But perhaps the crowning work of Mr.
Lodge in the field of letters has been the editing of the works of Alex-
ander Hamilton, brought out in 1886, in nine superb volumes, from the
press of G. P. Putnam's Sons. The Short History of the English Colonies,
already mentioned, is also a most marked and valuable contribution to our
literature, covering as it does, in a manner never heretofore done, the story
of the colonies from the foundation of each, down to the time when they
were fused into one by the fires of the revolution.

SOME LITERARY STATESMEN 469

Another remarkable contribution to the historical literature of our
times from our statesmen who write, is that from the pen of the brilliant
young member from Tennessee, the Hon. James Phelan, who represented
the Memphis district in the fiftieth congress, and was re-elected to a seat
in the present body. His History of Tennessee — The Making of a State,
published in 1888 by Houghton, Mifflin & Company, met a reception
from the public and critics alike of which the veriest veteran in the field
might well be proud. It tells the story of the gifted author's adopted
state, from the cabin of William Bean on the Watauga, in 1769, down to
the outbreak of the war. With the true writer's instinct he has been quick
to seize upon the salient points spread richly over a field that has virtually
lain fallow for a hundred years. The founding of " The Watauga Asso-
ciation," the first commonwealth beyond the mountains, and its successor,
" The Lost State of Franklin," two of the most remarkable and romantic
episodes of southwestern history, receive their full measure of attention
in the earlier chapters. Especially is the book rich in describing the polit-
ical life of the state during the quarter of a century immediately preced-
ing the war — the years of the rise and ascendency of the great Whig party
in the state — those halcyon days of barbecues and joint debates, where
the grove was the forum and the people were the umpires — those days
when there were political giants in the land, the memory of whose fierce
encounters upon the hustings is still kept green arourtd the hearthstones
of the hardy and long-lived mountaineers. The book has passed the dead
line of the first edition, and is still in constant demand..

The same author has also produced a school history of the state, richly
embellished with maps and engravings. This work is brought down to the
present time, and is being generally adopted by the schools of Tennessee.
Mr. Phelan contributed the articles upon Andrew Johnson, Sam Houston,
and some others, in Appleton's Cyclopedia of Biography, recently published.
He is also proprietor of the Memphis Avalanche, one of the most prosper-
ous papers in the south, though he has not written anything for it since
entering actively into the field of politics. He is a hard student, takes a
keen interest in the current literature of the day, and looks confidently
forward into a future which his friends unhesitatingly pronounce full of
richest promise.

Another legislator who has done work of special excellence is the
Hon. M. A. Foran, who represented the Cleveland district in the fiftieth
congress. During his term of service he wrote a novel entitled The Other
Side, a social study based on fact. It is dedicated to the workingmen
and working women of America, and, as indicated by its title, is a study of

470 SOME LITERARY STATESMEN

those questions of society, of labor and capital, which have of late years
attracted so much attention alike from the general public and the law-
giver. Mr. Foran was amply able to deal intelligently with these ques-
tions, being a cooper by trade, a lawyer by profession, and a legislator by
the grace of his people. The book was published by a Washington firm
in 1886, and has had a wide reading.

The country at large is accustomed to think of speaker Thomas B.
Reed in his capacity of politician and statesman — as the leader of his
party upon the floor of the house. He is known to friend and foe alike
for his ready wit, his rapier-like thrusts in the arena, his biting sarcasm in
debate, when the foeman is worthy of his steel. During the busy years of
his long-term of service in congress he has found little time to devote to
the pursuit of letters, and yet that he has literary ability of a very high
order is amply proved by the various contributions he has given to the
public through the periodical press. His principal articles have been :
Grover Cleveland's Acceptance, Alaska, and The St. Louis Convention, pub-
lished in the North American Review ; Rules of the House of Represent
tatives, in the Century ; and The Protectionist'' 's View, in Belford's Magazine.
In 1885 he delivered an oration before the alumni of Colby University at
Waterville, Maine, and in the following year an oration at the Portland
Centennial, both bearing the very highest evidences of scholarly attain-
ments and the true literary instinct.

The Hon. Theodore Roosevelt, though not a member of the legislative
branch of the government, is none the less entitled to a prominent place
in the list of our statesmen who have the literary gift. For some years
before his appointment to a place upon the civil service commission in
Washington he was one of the leaders among the younger men in the
councils of his party in his state and city, and during this time he served
one term in the legislature at Albany. Judging from the work he has
accomplished within the past few years, his has been a most busy life. In
addition to his manifold interests at his eastern- home, he has given much
time and attention to business affairs in the far west, and in addition has
found time to write no less than seven works, aside from contributing
largely to the periodical press of this country and England. His published
volumes are: The Naval War of 1812, or, The History of the United States'
Navy During the Last War tvith Great Britain, by G. P. Putnam's Sons in
1882 ; Hunting Trip of a Ranchman, from the same press in 1885, being
sketches of sport in the northern cattle plains, and superbly illustrated by
Frost and others. In 1 887-1 888 he contributed Thomas Hart Benton, and
Gouverneur Morris, to the American Statesmen series already mentioned.

SOME LITERARY STATESMEN 47 1

Then came his Ranch Life and i lie Hunting Trail, brought out in I!
by the Century Company, and illustrated by F. Remington ; and in the
same year Essays on Practical Politics, by the Putnams. Perhaps his most
important work is his latest, entitled The Winning of the . West, in two
large volumes, with maps and illustrations, and also bearing the imprint of
the Putnams. It portrays in graphic language the history of our western
border from 1769, when the tide of emigration first reached the summit of
the great Appalachian chain, down to the close of the revolution, when,
thanks to such men as Boone and Kenton, Sevier, Robertson, and the
Shelbys, General George Rogers Clark, and a dozen others of like heroic
mould, the inchoate nation along the sea-board found itself in possession
of an empire beyond the mountains, that had hitherto belonged to the
Anglo-Saxon in theory only. Of his magazine work, Mr. Roosevelt has
contributed articles on hunting to the Century, St. Nicholas, and Outing,
and essays on social and political subjects to various periodicals. Some
Recent Criticisms of America, dealing with Matthew Arnold, Lord Wol-
seley, and Sir L. Griffin, is one of his latest essays.

Another congressman who has been working in the field of letters is
the Hon. W. D. Owen, the representative from the tenth district of Indi-
ana. He has published two books: the first, under the title of Success, in
1877 ; the second, called The Genius of Industry, in 1882. Mr. Owen is a
minister in the Christian church, and teaches a Bible class in the.Sunday
school of his denomination at Washington.

Of literary legislators in the senate end of the capitol, the Hon. Gilbert
A. Pierce, senator from the new state of North Dakota, is entitled to
mention. Among his published works are, ZacJiariah the Congressman,
which first appeared as a serial in a newspaper, and afterward was brought
out in book form under the title of Peggy, a Country Heroine ; and about
the same time, A Dangerous Woman ; Being the Experience of the Hon. John
Biles, M. C. But perhaps his most important production in the way of
book-making is The Dickens Dictionary, published in 1872 by J. R. Os-
good & Co. This work is a key to the characters and principal incidents
in the tales of Charles Dickens, and is a most valuable work of reference
to every student of our English-American literature.

Senator Pierce has written two plays, one of which, A Hundred Wives,
has been quite successful. As indicated by its title, it deals with the ques-
tions of Mormonism and polygamy. He has also contributed magazine
articles to the Atlantic Monthly and other periodicals, as well as verses to
the magazines and newspapers — these latter being modestly denominated
by him as "merely ephemeral trifles." In speaking of these matters the

.472 SOME LITERARY STATESMEN

senator-author says: "Of course, like all scribblers, I have many manu-
scripts, some completed, and others in various stages of development,
lying around in desks and trunks and cabinets, waiting for a resurrection
trump, which I fear will never sound."

The writer has seen somewhere, at some time, a statement in print to
the effect that the Hon. John J. Ingalls has a book in course of prepara-
tion, which he expects to print some time in the future. In reply to an
inquiry as to what foundation there might be for such rumor, the dis-
tinguished Kansas statesman writes: " I have never published a book, and
have not even kept a scrap-book." Whatever may be the senator's literary
intentions, which are certainty not extensively revealed in the foregoing,
the reading public can have no doubt that he could write a book if he
wished — a book which would cause the members of the public afore-
said to tread upon each other's heels in their eagerness to buy, for no man
in either branch of the national legislature has the English language more
completely at his control. He can mould it at will into a rapier or a
claymore — a weapon for a contest of wits, or a broad-sword for a two-
handed argument. He has contributed articles to the North American
Review, and perhaps other periodicals, since becoming a senator.

There are many congressmen who at some time or another in their
past lives have been newspaper men, but the one who now and then be-
comes a congressman, by the way of intermission from the arduous duties
of the tripod, is the Hon. A. J. Cummings of New York city. He is a
newspaper man from instinct and from life-long training. It is said that
in the course of a rather adventurous life he has set type in nearly every
state in the Union. He has been a writer upon the New York Tribune,
the Sun, and manager of the Express. He was editor of the Evening Sun
when elected to the seat he now holds in the present congress. He repre-
sents this paper in the capitol, and is in a position to gain the inside facts
in regard to every matter of legislation that comes before either house.

Another writer who should not be overlooked is the venerable chap-
lain of the house, Rev. W. H. Milburn. Away back in the fifties he pub-
lished Ten Years of Preacher Life, or, Chapters from an Autobiography ;
The Rifle, Axe, and Saddle-bags, and Other Lectures ; and The Pioneers,
Preachers, and People of the Mississippi Valley. He has also been a con-
tributor to the periodical press.

Are the walks of statesmanship conducive to literary life, or does
.literary life lead to legislative halls?

Washington, T). C.

MJUmj SM/c^j.

MINOR TOPICS
PRESIDENT GARFIELD'S SILENT JOURNEY

In Dr. Patton's valuable History of the American People there is a graphic
description of the removal of President Garfield in July, 1881, from the executive
mansion in Washington to the cottage at Elberon where he subsequently died.
We quote the paragraph entire for the benefit of our appreciative readers :

"The President lay at the White House for sixty-six days, and often apparently
at the verge of death. It was essential that he should be removed from the debil-
itating influence of that climate to an atmosphere more cool and more health
inspiring. Long Branch on the ocean shore was decided upon. The Pennsyl-
vania Railway furnished the train and its equipments, their most commodious and
sumptuous car and three others. The nation's invalid was placed on board by
tender hands, and the train at 6.30 a.m. moved quietly off and even when under
full speed with scarcely a perceptible vibration. So admirable were the arrange-
ments, the right-of-way was given over six roads, a pilot-engine preceding the train
by twenty minutes ; and lest the patient should be disturbed, not a bell was rung
nor a signal-whistle blown. The train for a portion of the time made seventy
miles an hour, stopping only to replenish water and fuel. Along the route, espe-
cially through the cities, the people in sympathizing crowds stood silently by as the
train passed, and none the less was this interest manifested at the minor stations.
This feeling was not limited to the multitudes that saw the train gliding along
swiftly and almost noiselessly as if conscious of the burden it was bearing, but the
telegraph, as if in sympathy, laid aside, business to carry messages over the Union
from almost every station passed, telling the hour and the condition of the patient
as reported by the physicians on written slips of paper which were thrown from the
train. Thousands upon thousands in the cities watched these bulletins as they
appeared every few minutes. At length, after passing over nearly two hundred
and forty miles, the cottage was reached, and in less than ten minutes the Presi-
dent was safely carried within. Here were witnessed similar manifestations;
crowds of people had assembled and were silently awaiting the arrival of the train,
and also carriages filled with summer visitors from the neighboring watering-places,
while in shore lay twenty or thirty pleasure yachts whose decks were covered with
spectators."

MRS. CUSTER SURROUNDED WITH BUFFALOES

CAMP LIFE IN KANSAS TWENTY YEARS AGO

When we were encamped on Big Creek, Kansas, buffaloes were all about us ;
the Kansas Pacific railroad had been completed only to Fort Hays, and the herds

Vol. XXIV.— No. 6.— 31

474 MINOR TOPICS

were still roaming in immense numbers along the line. They frequently crossed
the track in front of a train, but they were so intent upon getting away that the
sharpest, most continued shrieks of the whistle did not turn them from their course ;
the leaders in a move are very faithfully followed by the herd as a rule. The engi-
neer was often obliged to whistle down the brakes to avoid accident. I remember
standing among a group of officers at one time, resting after a charge into a herd.
We were on a divide, where the horizon was visible in every direction. One of the
group said to me, "Turn about, Mrs. Custer, and notice that you are surrounded
with buffaloes. " It was as if the horizon was outlined with a dark rim. The offi-
cer continued, "You are looking now upon a hundred thousand buffaloes." . . .
I have been on a train when the black, moving mass of buffaloes before us looked
as if it stretched on down to the horizon. Every one went armed in those days,
and the car windows and platforms bristled with rifles and pistols, much as if it
had been a fortification defended by small-arms instead of cannon. It was the
greatest wonder that more people were not killed, as the wild rush for the windows
and the reckless discharge of rifles and pistols put every passenger's life in jeop-
ardy. No one interfered or made a protest with those travelers, however. They
were the class of men who carry the chip balanced very lightly on the shoulder,
and rather seek than avoid its jostling. I could not for the life of me avoid a shud-
der when a long line of guns leaning on the backs of the seat met my eye as I
entered a car. When the sharp shriek of the whistle announced a herd of buffa-
loes the rifles were snatched, and in the struggle to twist round for a good aim out
of the narrow window the barrel or muzzle of the fire-arm passed dangerously near
the ear of any scared woman who had the temerity to travel in those tempestuous
days. Sometimes the whole train was abandoned for a time, engineer and all
going out for sport. There was no railroad competition then, and only one train
a day was run ; therefore, there was no attempt to keep a correct schedule. We
rarely used the railroad, even if it was near, when once out in camp. Our own
mode of travel seemed preferable.

In going on hunts the officers were not obliged to ride far before coming upon
herds of grazing buffaloes, and sometimes the animals even came in sight of camp.
Once I remember we were entertaining a distinguished Eastern journalist. He
wanted to return with the record of a Nimrod, but he was too much exhausted
from overwork to attempt riding, and he said with regret that he feared he would
be obliged to go back without seeing a buffalo, and be unmercifully teased by his
friends in the states into tjie bargain. We plied him with questions as to Eastern
progress, for, reading of new inventions put into use since we had come West, we
could not quite understand from the newspaper accounts their practical appli-
cation. I well remember how glad I was out there, when the first elevated road
was built in New York to have it carefully explained to me ; for the papers, after
all, take it for granted that every one lives in the heart of civilization. As our guest
lounged under the shade one day we heard a shout near, the dogs rushed barking

MINOR TOPICS

475

to the stream, the men ran at breakneck speed in the same direction, and one of
our own -people called back "Buffaloes ! " Here was a chance, for, when this.
Mohammed could not go to the mountain, it bore down upon him. The stream
was then low, so- that with help we could go over on logs and stepping-stones ;
and, standing on the other bank, we saw a splendid chase. The officers, always
ready to do what they could to entertain strangers, had driven the herd as near
our tent as possible, and the buffalo singled out to be killed was shot so near us
that we all saw it. — Folloiuittg the Guidon, by Elizabeth B. Custer. .

A MERRY CHRISTMAS FOR THE HOUSEHOLD

{Original Lines]

BABY CHARLIE'S WANTS

Slanta Kaus ! Slanta Kaus !

Up in the chimney there !
Bwing me a wocking-horse

And a little arm-chair,
And some skates and a sled,

A whip and a weindeer ;
I'se 'scaped out of bed,

Nursey don't know I'se here ;

'Cause I'se 'fraid you'd miss
My bit of a stocking ;

It's the smallest one, this !
What's that you are talking ?

Yes ; 'twill hold lots of things,.

Fill it full as you can.
I want balls, knives, and strings,

And a little snow-man.

What makes you skweam " Who ! who

I don't think it'sperlite,
I'se telling secrets to wou ;

I'se little Charlie Bwight.
I don't like wour cwoss woice,

Please do wis-sper to me,
Dear, good old Slanta Kaus,

Up there in the chimney.

LITTLE RANDOLPH'S FAITH

This remarkable little boy of four years had been a cripple, and in charge of eminent surgeons
lashed in a wire frame for upward of twenty months.

Mamma, will you tell Santa Claus

My baby days are over ?
I wish to have him know, because

He'll some new gifts discover.
Show him, mamma, my pretty vest

Which you brought home to-day !
Please, I should like a mustache next,

Like papa's, black and gray.

And such a cane as cousin Lew,

And some cravats like Si ;
Not those with loop-holes coming through

But just the kind to tie.
And then I'll wear upon my head

A real stove-pipe hat ;
And when I leave this wiry bed,

I'll have a ball and bat.

476

MINOR TOPICS

And I must have some boots, you know,

Because I'm now four years —
How soon shall I begin to grow ?

Mamma, why all your tears ?
I wish you'd send the doctors off,

They always make you cry ;
I'm getting well quite fast enough

Without their standing by.

You say 'that God's afflicted me,

And that He's always near ;
Now, if I'm good as I can be,

What is there, pray, to fear ?
Will not He care for me the same

As though I ran about ?
And if my legs are in a frame,

Can He not take them out ?

HANG UP MY STOCKING

Hang up my stocking, mother ;

What if I am sixty years old ?
He'll put in something or other —

Santa Claus knows me of old.

I used to help him prepare

His basket for our little home,

And I never thought of my share
Before our children were grown.

Hang up my stocking, mother ;

I wonder what he will put in !
Life has been all bills and bother —

Now a new life I'll begin.

Hang up my stocking, mother,
And beside it hang your dear own ;

He'll put in something or other —
Gifts are not for children alone.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

How sweet the oft-told story

Of the Heaven-born child,
Jesus, the heir to glory,

Who from a manger smiled.
Blessed Jesus, we will ever

Chant Thy wondrous love.
Blessed Jesus, we will ever

Chant Thy wondrous love.

Stars were with wonder shining,

Nor would they take their flight,
Until angelic voices

Proclaimed the Prince of Light.
Blessed Jesus, ever loving

Came on earth to dwell ;
Blessed Jesus, ever loving,

Came on earth to dwell.

Shepherds the vision followed

To a stable lowly,
And gifts and incense o.'fered

The new-born Son of Glory.

Blessed Jesus, ever loving,
Came on earth to dwell ;

Blessed Jesus, ever loving,
Came on earth to dwell.

Let children sing the' story,

So precious to the heart ;
And to the highest glory,

For the future's peaceful part.
Blessed Jesus, ever loving,

Came on earth to dwell ;
Blessed Jesus, ever loving,

Came on earth to dwell.

Sweeter, each year, the story

Of the Heaven-born child,
Jesus, the heir to glory,

With His maiden mother mild.
Blessed Jesus, we will ever

Chant Thy wondrous love ;
Blessed Jesus, loving ever,

Coming from above.

ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS
THOMAS JEFFERSON TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR

[Contributed by Ferguson Haines]

Monticello. Sep. 5. 1801.
Dear Sir.

I inclose for your consideration a paper addressed to me from Lieut. Landais
of the Artillery, to consider & decide whether anything & what should be done in
consequence of it. I formerly referred to your consideration the petition of John
Rowe, confined in jail for having counselled or procured a soldier to desert : he
was sentenced to 3 months imprisonm1 & to paiment of costs, his 3 months
expired near 2 months ago, and he is detained & likely to be so for costs. You
will be pleased to consider the expediency of pardoning him, but there is one cir-
cumstance meriting attention, he says the bill of costs is 88 D. When the bill
of costs against a prisoner amounts to such a sum, the probability is that either the
fee bill authorised by law is monstrous, or that there is extortion, in the latter case
we should have it punished, in the former make it the occasion of referring to
Congress to review their fee-bill. I will pray you to have a copy of this bill for-
warded to me. perhaps the one given into the prisoner will be considered as the
best evidence. — I have duly received your favor of Aug. 12, and sincerely sym-
pathize with you on the condition of your daughter. I hope the signs of amelio-
ration have continued and ended in perfect re-establishment, where the cause has
been so momentary & every subsequent impression tending to recall the* mind to
its former state, I should hope the first effect could not be a permanent one.
letters written to me after your receipt of this will find me at Washington, where I
shall be punctually on the last day of the month, accept assurances of my sincere
esteem & high consideration. Th. Jefferson.

The Secretary of War.

AN UNPUBLISHED LETTER BY GENERAL PHILIP SCHUYLER

\Fro7?i the MS. collection of William L. Stone]

GENERAL PHILIP SCHUYLER TO COLONEL ELIAS DAYTON

German-Flatts, August 8th, 1776
Dear Colonel,

Your favor of the 5th Inst. I had the pleasure to receive on the next day. I
am happy to learn that your Scouts have discovered no signs of an Enemy in your

478 ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS

quarter. I wish there may be none. I thank you for the Honor you have done
me in calling the Fort [Fort Stanwix, built in 1758] by my name. As I cannot
consistent with delicacy announce this to Congress, would it not be right for
you to do it, & to General Washington too ?

It does not appear to me from the Resolutions of Congress that I am em-
powered to appoint the Paymasters to the Regiments. I shall soon be informed of
their Intention, and if the Appointment is in me, I shall most certainly confer the
office on your son.*

Capts. Patterson and Ross have presented me a Petition. Major Barber will
advise you of its Contents, and of my answer. I hope the latter will meet your
approbation. In my Letter of the 18th Ulto. I directed you upon the receipt of
certain Intelligence of the approach of an Enemy thro. Lake Ontario, that you
should cause the Timber on the Banks of Wood-Creek to be felled into it &c.
You will please to observe that before you fall the Timber into the Creek, I mean
that your intelligence should be such as to give you the strongest reason to believe
that any Enemy crossing Lake Ontario intend to come your way.f This will be
left [to be] determined by their coming to Oswego, or landing in some other part
of the Lake in the vicinity of that place. In such case, any roads by which
Cannon could be conveyed should also be rendered as impassable as possible.
Should you at any time gain Intelligence of the approach of an Enemy, you will
not only dispatch an Express to me describing the rout they take, or you judge
they may take, but also send the same information to the Officer commanding
here and at Johnstown, and to the Committee of this County. It will be proper
for you to furnish the Officer of Artillery with such a number of men as will
be fully sufficient to work the Cannon in case of an attack, and they should be
constantly exercised in that Business. This will not only be an advantage to
the Regiment in case they should be, at any time, under the necessity of march-
ing with Field Artillery, when no Artillery men may be at hand, but be of Service
to the cause in General by having so many more men capable of that duty ; and
therefore I also wish that one or more of your officers should also be instructed
in the management of Cannon.

In case of a vacancy in the Regiment I shall with pleasure promote Mr.
Younglove [Surgeon Moses Younglove], as he bears so good a character. Yester-
day our Speech was delivered to the Six Nations. They are now in Council pre-
paring an Answer^ from which we hope to gather their Intentions.

Adieu, my Dear Colonel. '

I am, with every friendly wish,

Your Obedt. Humble Servant,

Colonel Dayton " Ph. Schuyler

* The reader will not fail to note that the policy of "You tickle me, and I'll tickle you"
was not unknown even at this early day ! w. L. s.

f It will be seen that Schuyler already foresaw the expedition of St. Leger the succeeding
year. w. l. s.

ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS 479

CADWALLADER DAVID COLDEN TO GOVERNOR TOMPKINS, 1814

[Contributed by Major-General J. Watts de Peyster]

[Mrs. MARTHA J. Lamb, Editor of Magazine of American History. In looking up some facts
connected with the war of 1812 in the second volume of your History of the City of New York
I found on page 649 a reference to the appointment of Cadwallader David Colden, the cousin of
my grandmother Jane de Lancey Watts, to the command of the uniformed militia companies of
the city and county of New York. You give the date of appointment as of 2d September, 18 14.
I have within a few days found Colden's original letter of acceptance, which is so modest and digni-
fied that I send a copy of it for your Magazine. J. Watts de Peyster.]

New York, Sepr 16th, 1814

Sir,

I have duly reflected on the offer your Excellency did me the honor to make
this morning. I should not for a moment have hesitated to accept so honorable
and respectable an appointment, had I not been fearful that an intire want of
experience in military affairs rendered me unfit for the office. But encouraged by
your Excellency's assurance that by suitable efforts I might render myself as well
qualified as some others who have similar- stations, I have determined to accept
the Commission, and can only assure your Excellency, that I will do all in my
power to render myself worthy of the rank you have offered me among the
defenders of our Country. I am ready to receive your Excellency's Commands.
I have the honor to be with great respect your Excellency's obedient humble
servant

Cadwallader D. Colden

To Governor Tompkins.

480

NOTES

The united states flag — The 4th
of July, 1864, will ever remain a memo-
rable day to those who at that time were
prisoners of war within the stockade at
Macon (Georgia). The prisoners had
crowded in and around the central struc-
ture to listen to some speeches in com-
memoration of the nation's birthday.
Captain Todd of the eighth New Jersey
infantry displayed a small United States
flag, four by six inches — about the size
of a man's hand — which he had managed
to keep secreted upon his person. The
effect was indescribable. The air was
rent with cheers, shouts, and cries. Tears
in streams crowded down the cheeks of
great, rough, shaggy men as they hugged
each other and yelled at the sight of the
banner. Those near enough reverently
kissed it, and men at some distance
away climbed upon the backs of others
to get a view of it. " Hold it up ! "
shouted a voice, " don't be afraid ; hold
it up so that we can all feast our souls
upon it. The rebs won't dare to molest
it. Hold it up ! for while there is a man
of us alive to defend it with his hands,
neither the Southern Confederacy, the
powers of earth or hell can touch it."
The " Star-spangled Banner " and " Rally
round the Flag " were sung. During the
singing some of the older guards were
seen leaning tremblingly over their mus-
kets and crying like children. The en-
thusiasm and noise became so great that
the long roll was sounded by the Confed-
erates outside, the artillery was manned,
the infantry stood to their guns, and the
commandant ordered us to disperse to
our quarters and remain quiet. — Robert

Clark & Company's Prisoners of War
and Military Prisons.

The industrial future of the
south — Public Opinion, the eclectic
weekly published in Washington and
New York, offers a first prize of $50,
a second of $30, and a third of $20 for
the best three essays on the interesting
question, " The Industrial Future of the
South." This is a timely topic, and
great interest will be awakened in the
competition. The prizes are to be
awarded by a committee of three busi-
ness men of national repute, who will
not know the names of the writers until
the decision is made. The essays must
be limited to three thousand words, and
must be received by December r5- Full
particulars may be had by addressing
Public Opinion, Washington, D. C. The
Washington Post says : " The industrial
development of the South during the
last ten or fifteen years has been the
most interesting feature of our national
growth. It may be doubted if in any
age or country its parallel has been
witnessed. The authentic statements of
the industrial growth of that section, as
they have been published from year to
year, have attracted world-wide atten-
tion and excited a profound interest —
an interest not confined to business
circles, but extending to all intelligent
observers of public events. It is a great
theme — so great that only a broad mind
can comprehend it ; but inasmuch as it
has been frequently and ably discussed
in the press of all sections, and in many
commercial conventions, it is reasonable

QUERIES

481

to suppose that the invitation of Public
Opinion will call out a large number of
valuable papers, throwing new light on
a topic that is becoming more and more
attractive to all citizens whose patriotism
is not limited to any one part of our
common country."

Sir WALTER scott's love of soli-
tude— In the Journal of Sir Walter
Scott, covering the years from 1825 to
1832, which has recently been published
from the original manuscript, we find
the following paragraph : " Few men
leading a quiet life, and without any
strong or highly varied change of circum-
stances, have seen more variety of soci-
ety than I ; few have enjoyed it more,
or been bored, as it is called, less by the
company of tiresome people. I have
rarely, if ever, found any one out of

whom I could not extract amusement
or edification ; and were I obliged to
account for hints afforded on such oc-
casions, I should make an ample deduc-
tion from my inventive > powers. Still,
however, from the earliest time I can
remember, I preferred the pleasure of
being alone to waiting for visitors, and
have often taken a bannock and a bit
of cheese to the wood or hill to avoid
dining with company. As I grew from
boyhood to manhood I saw this would
not do, and that to gain a place in men's
esteem I must mix and bustle with them.
Pride and an excitation of spirits sup-
plied the real pleasure which others seem
to feel in society,, and certainly upon
many occasions it was real. Still, if the
question was, eternal company w thout
the power of retiring within yourself, or
solitary confinement for life, I should
say, ' Turnkey, lock the cell ' ' "

QUERIES

Colonel mainwaring hammond
was a member of the council of Gov-
ernor Berkeley of Virginia in 1642.
Thomas Willoughby was also a member
at the same time. What can be ascer-
tained of the ancestry of Colonel Ham-
mond ? Who was his wife ?

The widow of Colonel William Wil-
loughby, commissioner of the British
navy, and mother of Deputy-Governor
Francis Willoughby of Massachusetts,
left a legacy in 1662 to her " sister Jane
Hammond of Virginia," the mother of
Captain Laurence Hammond of Boston.
Mrs. Jane Hammond is said to have
been the wife of Colonel Mainwaring
Hammond of Virginia. Can this fact be

established ? Can the family name of
Mrs. Jane Hammond be ascertained ?

A tradition has come down in the
families of Deputy-Governor Francis
Willoughby of Massachusetts, and
Thomas Willoughby of Virginia, that
there was a relationship between them.
Is any proof of this known to exist ?
This information is much desired by Mr.
and Mrs. Edward E. Salisbury of New
Haven in the preparation of their large
work of Family Histories and Genealo-
gies, which is nearly completed.

Washington's aids-de-camp — The
following list of the aids-de-camp of
Washington was made after some little

482

REPLIES

research by an officer of the army
stationed here. Thinking it may be of
interest, and that if not quite accurate it
may be corrected, I send it to the Mag-
azine.

1. Colonel Robert H. Harrison.

2. Colonel Richard K. Meade.

3.* Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel B.

Webb.
4. Colonel Alexander Hamilton.

5-.f Colonel Teuch Tilghman.
Lafayette was volunteer aid.

David FitzGerald
Washington, D. C.

Mother goose — Who was the real
Mother Goose in history ? Will some
one enlighten me ?

Albert Warburton
Philadelphia, Pa.

REPLIES

Author of quotation [xxiv. 402]
— In reply to the query of your corre-
spondent as to the author of the line,
" To err is human ; to forgive, divine,"
I would refer him to Pope's Essay on
Criticism. Pope, though irritable in dis-
position, and at times almost cynical,
also wrote the beautiful lines,

" The mercy I to others show,
That mercy show to me."

Among the many names applied to
Pope were the " Interrogation Point "
on account of his. crooked body, and
"That true deacon of the craft," by
Scott, from the beauty and masterful
style of his poetry.

E. W. Wright

Vicksburg, Miss.

Bryant, not wood worth nor
wordsworth [xxiv. 308] — Editor
Magazine of American History : I find

* Webb was promoted to the command of the
Third Connecticut Regiment, which was mostly
raised by him. His place was filled by Hamil-
ton.

myself under the necessity of making a
correction. The author I had in mind
was Samuel Woodworth, the author of
" The Old Oaken Bucket," and not the
former poet laureate of England. But
I have since discovered that if I had
given the credit right, I would still have
been wrong (to indulge in a very poor
Hibernicism), for the lines were written
not by Wordsworth nor yet by Wood-
worth, but by nature's own poet, William
Cullen Bryant.

My only excuse is, that I saw them
years ago credited to Wordsworth or
Woodworth, and they were seemingly so
appropriate to the theme in hand that
the quotation was made without the
usual verification. I hasten to make the
correction, because it is always better to
confess than to be convicted.

Milton T. Adkins
Washington, D. C.

f Colonel Tilghman, who had been assistant
secretary since Angust, 1776, became aid-de-
amp in 1781, his commission dating back to
April 1, 1777, at Washington's request.

SOCIETIES

4^3

SOCIETIES

NEW YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY

A stated meeting of the society was
held on Tuesday evening, November 4,
President King in the chair. The report
of the librarian called especial attention
to a valuable memorial of colonial New
York, consisting of the original commis-
sion with the great seal attached, and
instructions and orders issued in January,
1702-3, by Queen Anne to Lord Corn-
bury, the governor of New York. This
interesting relic was purchased for the
society through the liberality of six of
its members.

The announcement was made that the
eighty-sixth anniversary of the founding
of the society would be celebrated on
November 18, and that the address
would be delivered by James C. Welling,
LL.D.

The paper of the evening, entitled
"The Historic Name of our Country,"
was read by Professor Moses Coit Tyler,
LL.D., of Cornell university, to a large
and appreciative audience. He said :
" Fifty years ago a celebrated scholar said
to John C. Calhoun : ' How strange it is
that our country, so rich in everything
else, should have no name.' Calhoun re-
plied : ' We have no name because we are
not a nation, only a collection of states
which are not united.' Calhoun made a
mistake. We are a united people and a
nation, and are entitled to a distinctive
name. The ' United States of America '
is unsatisfactory to many people, because
it is a mere proposition of constitutional
law and not a name. Other countries,
they say, have single names, like ' Eng-
land ' or 'France,' and the citizens of

those countries call themselves ' English-
men ' or ' Frenchmen,' but how shall we
call ourselves ? To say ' American '
does not distinguish our country. Some
say ' United States history ' to dis-
tinguish it from ' American history,' but
we are not the only united states in the
world.

We want a name for a watchword,
one name that shall signify to the Old
World what a great country is beyond
the sea. Never before has any nation
been without some particular and signifi-
cant name. During the early years of
our country a name was given, ' Colum-
bia.' Ten or twenty years after the
Revolution many thought we would be
called ' Columbians.' So strong was the
feeling, that the first ship that carried
the flag around the world was named
Columbia. King's college was changed
to Columbia, and the country is dotted
with the name. With all the struggle
to have the name, it does not seem to
be the name of our country. No one
thinks of us as Columbians. Another
name was tried by Washington Irving.
He wanted to call the country ' Alle-
ghenia ' after the Alleghenies, or ' Appa-
lachian The New York Historical So-
ciety took up the subject and tried to
influence the United States to change
its name to * United States of Alleghe-
nia.' 'Vesperia' was the next name
thought of. One of the members of the
society suggested the ' Country of Wash-
ington.' * Freeland ' and ' Freedonia '
were the next two. One man thought
the country should be called ' Cabotia,'
after the real discoverer. Another said

4§4

SOCIETIES

we ought to go back to the Norseman
and call it ' Vinland.'

All these attempts to change the name
of the country were futile and unsuccess-
ful, because they were in violation of the
natural historic law. The name of every
country comes by gradual growth. Be-
fore the Revolution the colonies were
known as the American Colonies. In
the Stamp Act ' American ' trade is
spoken of. In 1774 Patrick Henry said
there was no longer any New-Yorker or
Virginian, but only Americans. The
treaty with England in 1783 applies to
us alone the name ' America.' Washing-
ton in his farewell speech addresses his
countrymen as ' Americans.' In the his-
toric growth of two centuries and a half
the single name 'America' has come to
mean our country, our customs, etc. It
is entirely right and modest for us to
take the beautiful name ' America.'
Let it be to us what ' England ' is to the*
' English,' and ' France ' is to the French.
Matthew Arnold said ' America holds
the future.' Let us hope that this may
prove true, and that this name ' America '
may live through all the ages as the
talisman of all that is good and noble.''

THE RHODE ISLAND HISTORICAL SO-
CIETY at its regular meeting on the even-
ing of the 4th of November listened to
an interesting address from Rev. Edward
G. Porter of Lexington, Massachusetts,
on " John Eliot and his Indian Bible."
He said : " There is certainly no more in-
teresting chapter in our colonial history
than that which gives us the life and ser-
vices of John Eliot. The man himself
was interesting. The men of that time,
it is an incredible fact, did not seem to

think their descendants would take any
interest in their birth and education on
the other side of the water. It has
recently been found that Eliot was edu-
cated at Jesus college, Cambridge, re-
ceiving his bachelor's degree in 1622.
It was a critical time in the old country.
There was a ferment in the literary and
theological as well as the political world.
But he was not ready to submit to the
requirements of the period in theology.
There seemed to be, however, no open-
ing for a man of liberal education but
that. Eliot came under Hooker's re-
markable influence, and was indebted to
him, for his opinions were very much
molded by the hand of Hooker. In
163 1 Eliot came to Massachusetts in the
good ship Lion with several people of
distinction, including the wife and child
of Governor Winthrop. He was received
right royally. The First Church in Bos-
ton, whose pastor had gone to England,
asked him to be their pastor during the
other's absence, and he accepted. In
the following year, 1632, the young lady
to whom Eliot was engaged came over,
and they were married shortly afterward
in Boston. The union continued many
years ; she was a capable, lovely woman,
and there is ample evidence to show
that she was worthy of him.

Eliot found the Indians interested in
becoming civilized. He often received
calls from them, and soon installed one,
'a pregnant-witted young man' as he
calls him, and Eliot greatly depended on
him. He also had two or three lads in
service. He used these opportunities to
acquire the language. It was the lan-
guage of the Massachusetts Indians, as
Mather and others say, that branch of

SOCIETIES

485

the Algonquins with whom they came
into closest contact. Your Indians in
Rhode Island," said the speaker, " spoke
a different language ; even those of the
Cape and Martha's Vineyard had a
little different language, and Eliot could
speak and preach to them only after
some comparison of terms. With the
western Massachusetts Indians he* could
not speak at all. The Algonquins have
received more philological attention than
any other kind of Indians. Some young
men now in college are seriously con-
sidering to resuscitate this language by
studying Eliot's Bible, his primer, etc.,
to read what Eliot wrote. He became
fairly proficient in the language, and the
more the Indians knew of him the better
they liked him. He visited them in their
villages, and they returned the visits, and
he gave them many gifts."

The speaker declared that Eliot was a
name to hold up before the audience as
one that would compare with the best
names in all history, a name that should
be honored with those of the apostolic
age or the age of the Reformation,
names connected with God's work on
earth. "To us belongs the agreeable
duty of thus canonizing the names and
services of such as Eliot."

THE ONEIDA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

held its regular meeting on the 27th of
October ; Hon. C. VV. Hutchinson, first
vice-president, in the chair. The paper
of the evening, " The Colonial News-
paper Press of Boston and New York,"
was read by Colonel William L. Stone,
who said : " To deliver a lecture on the
newspaper press without first paying our

respects to the devil and Dr. Faust
would be considered not only a violation
of all precedent, but — as regards those
distinguished individuals — a positive
breach of good manners. They have
so long been associated together, not
only in popular tradition but in books,
that the greater part of the reading
world seems to think that they were
the original partners in the republic of
letters. Indeed, the opinion is even yet
quite prevalent that the devil has been a
silent partner, though not a sleeping one,
in every newspaper establishment since.
The proposition to this extent is cer-
tainly inadmissible, and yet from the
moral condition of a large portion of
the press, it must be confessed, there is
a strong presumptive evidence that in
the unhappy influences exercised by the
personage referred to over the affairs
of men, he is not altogether neglectful
of the press." Colonel Stone described
the introduction of the printing-press
into the colonies, and traced the prog-
ress of printing with much skill. The
publication of the first New York paper,
the Gazette, in 1725, and the New York
newspapers and their editors, were pre-
sented with several anecdotes which
brought out the characters of the in-
stitution and the times distinctly.

The paper contained many passages
of valuable history and a just estimate
of men and events. As the son of an
eminent New York editor, Colonel Stone
inherits interest in his theme, and as
himself a historian he possesses the
capacity to treat it well. The society
congratulated itself on having secured
such an address from such an eminent
source.

4^6

BOOK NOTICES

THE BOY TRAVELERS IN GREAT BRIT-
AIN AND IRELAND. By Thomas W.
Knox. Square Svo, pp. 536. New York :
Harper & Brothers. 1891.
This new volume by the celebrated author,
.Colonel Knox, traces the adventures of two
youths in a journey through Ireland, Scotland,
Wales, and England, with visits to the Heb-
rides and the Isle of Man. These bright boys
appear to have kept a careful record of what
they saw and heard ; have been mindful of the
history and geography of the countries visited :
and describe in the most delightful manner the
peculiar customs of the people among whom
they have traveled. Frank and Fred are famil-
iarly known to many of our readers, who have
frequently traveled with them in other countries.
But in this narrative they are accompanied by
Frank's mother and sister Mary who have never
been abroad before, and whose comments upon
everything new and strange to them will great-
ly entertain the boys and girls who read the
book. Nothing can be more instructive than
the explanations given, Frank and Fred having
become authorities on almost every theme. In
Ireland they visited Blarney castle, went where
the fairies dance, learned the origin of wakes,
stopped in Dublin and Belfast, discussed the
legends of the country, and indulged in anec-
dotes innumerable. Of course, they saw the
Giant's Causeway, that great wonder, and they
pause to tell us all about the first electric rail-
way in the world, which was opened for a short
distance in 1883, and to the Causeway in 1886.
Frank enjoyed his novel ride over it immensely.
He says : " We glided along as though on a
descending grade — no smoke, no cinders, no
dust, no steam, nothing whatever apparent to the
eye, and a delightful air around us fresh from
mountain and sea." Reaching Scotland by
steamer the reader (who begins to feel as if he
was himself on the route) is treated to much
useful information about Glasgow, and its
wonderful commercial progress since 18 12.
Says Fred : "Just see how the business has
grown ; from that one steamboat in 18 12, Glas-
gow had in 1882, an interval of seventy years,
a fleet of six hundred and eighty-three steam-
ers ! and this does not include the hundreds
and thousands of steamers built for other ports
of the United Kingdom and the rest of the
world."

We cordially commend this new book to
children of all ages. Colonel Knox is one of
the best writers for the young of whom we have
any knowledge, and no buyers will go amiss
who include one or more of his charming vol-
umes of travel in their list of Christmas presents
for the household.

THE LEADING FACTS OF AMERICAN
HISTORY. By D. II. Montgomery. i2mo,
PP- 359- Boston and New York : Ginn &
Company. 1890.

This hand-book for the use of schools is ad-
mirably prepared, and presents in a clear, con-
cise, connected manner the principal events in
the history of our country. The author has
based his work on a careful study of many rec-
ognized authorities, and has achieved brevity
without the injury to truth which usually attends
the difficult task. The maps and illustrations
have been selected with discriminating skill, as
needful for so small a work, which begins with
the birth of Columbus and ends with the close
of the celebrated year of the Washington Cen-
tennial, in three hundred and fifty-nine pages.
It has an appendix containing the Declaration of
Independence, the Constitution of the United
States and its amendments, a Table of States and
Territories, Principal Dates in American His-
tory, a short list of books on American history —
by no means complete, however — and a series of
questions for examination covering the principal
topics of the theme.

PRISONERS OF WAR, AND MILITARY
PRISONS. A general account of prisbn life
and prisons in the South during the war of
the Rebellion, including statistical informa-
tion pertaining to prisoners of war ; together
with a list of officers who were prisoners of
war from January 1, 1864. By Asa B.
Isham, Henry M. Davidson, and Henry
B. Furness. Svo, pp. 571. Cincinnati :
Robert Clarke & Co. 1890.
Graphic personal narratives of experience in
the various Southern prisons, more complete than
any heretofore published, form the basis of this
wrork, to which is added a general description of
the prisons. "The privations' of prison life
try the mettle of an individual as nothing else
can," says the author. "They bring out in
bold relief all the littleness and meanness of
human nature. The great majority of those
who, subject to the ordinary conditions of earth-
ly existence, are properly considered as high-
minded, honorable persons, prove wanting in
the balance under this test."

The first part of the volume contains the story
of an officer who was captured in the famous
charge by Sheridan upon the cavalry force of
General J. E. B. Stuart, in which charge Stuart
was killed. Interspersed through the narrative
are anecdotes and incidents of prison life, form-
ing a complete picture of a captive's experience.

BOOK NOTICES

487

The second part is a personal sketch prepared
by a private soldier, which embodies an account
of the charge made by the Confederates upon
Goodspeed's and Simonson's batteries at the
battle of Chickamauga, and the capture of the
author while trying to remove wounded men
from the held. Accounts of the ingenuity ex-
ercised for methods of escape brighten many
of these thrilling pages. On one occasion the
prisoners had constructed a bridge to the roof
of a little house, which was about on a level
with the window sill of the second story of the
jail. If that roof could be reached, it woiild be
possible to slide down into the back yard. The
queer bridge was made of two long strips of
wood and the boards from their bunks. When
all was ready, they shoved out the bridge until
the outer end rested upon the roof of the
small house, and one of the prisoners crawled
out upon it to cross over, when the moon sudden-
ly looked out from a cloud just as the guard re-
lief was coming on, and the bridge was discov-
ered. The guard was quickly drawn up in line
ready to shoot any man who fhould appear upon
it. Says the writer : " Quietly and slowly the
bridge was drawn in, so that they could not see
it move, until it was brought far enough to bal-
ance it, when the external end was elevated and
it was brought in on the run. As the end of
the bridge went up into the air, a volley of
musketry from the guards followed it, and
next their fire was turned against the window.
In about half an hour the door of our prison
opened, and in came the guard on a tour of in-
vestigation. We were all, of course, fast asleep,
some snoring -lustily. After an application of
the commandant's boot to the sleeping forms of
those he first encountered, all woke with much
surprise, and asked : ' What on earth is the
matter?' 'Matter enough,' was the reply.
' Whar's that air bridge?' ' What bridge?
What do we know about a bridge ? ' The bridge
had been taken apart as soon as drawn in, and
each one had his piece of board fitted in his
bunk. After many questions we were drawn up
in two ranks to be counted. Some one in the
rear rank managed to make his appearance in
two places and was counted twice. ' What does
this mean ?' yelled the captain. ' Whar did that
air extra man come from?' It was explained
that an outsider had climbed with a ladder to
the top of the little building and thrown his
ladder across to the jail window and asked to be
taken in. The prisoners said they had pulled
him in, that was all there was of it, and the
guards abandoned further investigation."

The story of the author's escape from Ander-
sonville with two companions is also described,
and his travels by ni?ht through the swamps and
fields of southern Georgia, guided by a pocket
compass which was lighted by fire-flies, and a
piece of a torn map rescued from the embers of

a Confederate guard fire. This narrative is
interspersed with anecdotes showing how the
prisoners passed the time of their incarceration,
their games, traffic in rations, their attempts at
escape by tunnel and by disguises, recapture,
and punishments.

TABULAR VIEWS OF UNIVERSAL HIS-
TORY. A series of chronological tables
presenting in parallel columns a record of
the more noteworthy events in the history of
the world from the earliest times down to
1890. Compiled by G. P. Putnam, A.M.,
and continued to date by Lvnds E. Jones.
8vo, pp. 211. New York and London : G. P.
Putnam's Sons. 1890.

It will be remembered that the late George
P. Putnam compiled a valuable chronology of
historical events, which formed a part of his
comprehensive cyclopaedia on The World's
Progress. This has been carefully revised, and
we welcome with enthusiasm the new well-
printed volume in separate form, which com-
prehends the former work with the added chro-
nology of later years. It cannot fail to prove
the most convenient and useful manual of dates
extant. Teachers, authors, and scholars will
find it invaluable. As a help to the memory, an
arrangement has been adopted of placing in
parallel columns on facing pages the events oc-
curring throughout the world at about the same
period of time. This calls in the powerful
assistance of association in enabling the mind to
grasp and remember important dates, by showing
at a glance simultaneous occurrences in other
countries.

HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN EPISCO-
PAL CHURCH. From the planting of the
colonies to the end of the civil war. By
S. D. McConnell, D.D., Rector of St.
Stephen's Church, Philadelphia. 8vo, pp.
392. New York : Thomas Whittaker. 1890.
This is the first attempt in modern times to
condense into a volume of convenient size the
very interesting history of that portion of the
Christian Church formerly known as " The
Church of England in the Colonies," but since
the Revolution styled " The Protestant Episco-
pal Church in the United States of America."
The greater attention paid now to all materials
for history, the growth of a school of historians
who are able to take the well-known facts con-
cerning any period and deduce from them their
real significance and relation to other historic
facts and periods, makes the present an oppor-
tune time for the issue of this work written

488

BOOK NOTICES

with clearness, brevity, and full knowledge of
the present canons of historic writing. Dr.
McConnell possesses a vigorous and flowing
style, and has evidently been a careful reader of
American colonial history and a diligent student
of the late English historians. His work does
not come with the weight of authority that
original research among manuscript sources can
alone bestow, but he has put together from acces-
sible printed sources a narrative of the chief
events in the corporate life of the Episcopal
Church which can be read by the busy men and
women who cannot spare the time to peruse
the stately quartos in which Bishop Perry has
given a fuller history. Commencing with the era
of colonization (a.d. 1600), the author sketches
in a picturesque manner the successive immigra-
tions of Churchmen to Virginia, Puritans to
New England, Dutch Calvinists and Huguenots
to New York, Swedes to Delaware, Roman
Catholics to Maryland, Cavaliers to the Caro-
linas, and the result their intercourse had in
overcoming prejudice, fostering a tolerant
spirit, and out of many heterogeneous elements
developing that character which we call Ameri-
can. He shows plainly why the Church of
England was unable to gain any permanent
foothold in the more northern colonies until the
eighteenth century, for many of the immigrants
were bitterly opposed. He gives their due
place to the early efforts at Jamestown, Vir-
ginia, where from June 21, 1607, the Rev.
Robert Hunt faithfully fed with the bread of
life that portion of the flock of Christ com-
mitted to his care, until his death nearly thirteen
years after ; and of that short-lived venture of
Sir Fernando Gorges on the coast of Maine,
where on Sunday. August 9, 1607, the Rev.
Richard Seymour, chaplain of the expedition, set
up the cross of Christ, offered the prayers of
the Church of England, and preached a sermon,
probably the first ever delivered on the New
England coast, '"giving God thanks for our
happy meeting and safe arrival into the coun-
try." The outcome of the zeal and devotion
of the Rev. Dr. Thomas Bray, who in 1696
became the commissary of the Bishop of Lon-
don in Maryland, his successful combating
the irreligion he found then prevailing through-
out the colonies, is prominently mentioned.
His arousing friends in England, who on his
representation formed those two powerful agen-
cies for the spreading of Christianity through-
out the world, and which still continue their fruit-
ful labors, the Society for Promoting Christian
Knowledge (founded Mav 8, A.D. 169S) and the
Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in
foreign Parts (chartered by William III. June 16.
1701), deserves the grateful acknowledgment of
every American Christian. The intelligent be-
ginning of missionary work in the American

colonies by the Society for the Propagation of
the Gospel, commonly called "The Venerable
Society," by the missionary tour in 1702-1703
through the colonies of that convert from Qua-
kerism, the Rev. George Keith, and that in-
trepid pioneer missionary, the Rev. John Talbot,
are sufficiently set forth. In the chapters upon
" The New England Converts" and " The Great
Awakening," the author treats comprehensively
some of the essential features of New Eng-
land church life. He sketches with slight but
firm touches the causes of the Revolution and
the attitude of the colonial clergy to the move-
ment for independence, and notes how political
principles and religious obligations were strange-
ly mingled in those days which tried men's
souls. With a list of the clergy who remained
loyal to the crown, and due mention of those who
like White, Provoost, Muhlenberg, and others
adhered to the cause of the colonies, and laymen
like Washington, Henry, Lee, Hopkinson, Jay,
Duane, Morris, prominent both in the field and
at the council board, he closes his first part.
The development of a system of government
that would be American and not depart widely
from catholic precedent, the admission of the
laity to the councils of the church, the revision
of the Book of Common Prayer, are topics upon
which our author dwells with discriminating
skill. The union, October 2, 1789, of the
church in Connecticut with the general conven-
tion, and its consequences in a liturgy both con-
servative and catholic, the provision for the
sitting of the bishops as a separate house with
the power of originating legislation, are carefully
considered. He relates with dramatic force the
scene in the general convention of 1865 at Phil-
adelphia, when several Southern bishops and
clergymen attended, led by Bishop Atkinson
of North Carolina, and Bishop Lay of Arkan-
sas. With a glance forward to the permanent
results of the war in modifying the relation be-
tween church and people, Dr. McConnell closes
his well-written though incomplete sketch.

There is much to commend in his treatment
of a great subject, but there are also points
upon which opinions will widely differ. In
the interest of historical accuracy, we would
urgently call the author's attention to the mis-
prints of dates, and specially to some matters
where he does not seem to have fully verified
his statements, notably the origin of Trinity
church. It is to be hoped that in a second
edition such blemishes may be removed. The
volume should be read by all who wish to gain a
general view of an important body of American
Christians, and are interested in the study of
the origin and growth .of religion in our country.
Dr. McConncli would have added to the value
of his work by a fuller index, a chronological
table, and a list of authorities upon the subject.

INDEX

ADAMS, Henry, intellect of New-
England, 148 ; Roger Griswold
in the Louisiana debate, 1803, 230.

Adkins, Milton T., the mountains
and mountaineers of Craddock's
fiction, 305 ; some literary states-
men, 467.

Africa, universities in, 153, 234.

Albright, Henry, early gunsmith of
Pennsylvania, 186.

Aldrich, Charles, corrections of his-
torical errors, 222 ; autograph col-
lection of, 237 ; anecdote of Gen.
Dodge ; a characteristic order of
Gen. Scott, 352.

Alexandria, Virginia, Washington
attends ball at, 70.

Algiers, colleges in, 234.

America, outgrowths of continental
Europe in, 337 ; narrative and
- critical history of, vol. viii., no-
ticed, 406 ; the historic name of,
482.

American Episcopal Church, History
of, noticed, 486.

American flag, origin of the, 269.

American Fur Company, trading-
posts, 413, 414.

American history, exercises in, 143 ;
the leading facts in, 484.

American Revolution, Burgoyne's
defeat and surrender, 40; Loyal-
ists' Centennial, noticed, 78 ; Bun-
ker Hill memorial tablets, 80;
Washington's and Knox's head-
quarters at New Windsor, N. Y.,
1779, 81, 83, 87 ; extracts of letters,
1765-1775, relative to the stamp act
and the beginning of the, in N. Y.
city, 89-99 • the American troops
at Bunker Hill good riflemen, 183;
riflemen' organized, 189 ; number
of riflemen, 1775, 190; first riflemen
in the, 191 ; the navy in the, 269 ;
origin of the American flag, 269 ;
the temple at New Windsor, N. Y.,
1783, 283 ; the action at Tarrytown,
N. Y., 1781, 358 ; heroism of Capt.
George Hurlbut, 358; powder-horn
of the, 401 ; services and speeches
of David Hartley, 426 ; Washing-
ton's aid-de-camp in the, 479.

Americana, Illustrated, 1493-1889, no-
ticed. 407.

Ames, Ohio, founding of the town
of, 1799, 106.

Andre, Maj. John, Durand's picture
of the capture of, 321.

Arabia, colleges in, 234.

Arctic explorations, 339.

Argentine Republic, universities in,
152, 233.

Armorel of Lyonesse, novel, noticed,
239-

Arundel, Baroness, portrait, 345.

Ashley, Gen. William, organizes the
Rocky Mountain Fur Company,

a 4-13, • •••

Asia, universities in, 152, 234.

Assiniboine, second steamboat to

navigate the upper Missouri river,

4T5-
Astor, John Jacob, organizes the

American Fur Company, 413.
Austin, William, Literary Papers of,

noticed, 238.
Australia, universities in, 233.
Authorship, successful, 75.
Ayacucho university, 152.

BACKUS Family, noticed, 157.
Bancroft. Hubert Howe, His-
tory of California, vol. vii., no-
ticed. 158 ; Works of, vol. xxxviii.,
noticed, 399, 406.

Banning, H. E., the story of Roger
Williams retold, 312.

Barlow, Joel, his efforts to sell land
in Ohio, 101 ; portrait, 103.

Battle of nations, 232, 325, 402.

Bay Psalm Book of 1640, 70.

Beecher, Rev. Henry Ward, as a
humorist, 231.

Begum's Daughter, The, noticed,

159-

Bender, Prosper, the French-Cana-
dian Peasantry, i., language, cus-
toms, mode of life, food, dress,
126; ii., general characteristics,
291 ; iii., habits, and mode of life,
365-

Besant, Walter, Armorel of Lyon-
esse, noticed, 239.

Bismarck, Prince, letter of, 404.

Blackfeet Indians, Fort Mackenzie
burned by the, 412.

Blackstone, Sir William, portrait, 1 ;
and his work, 31.

Bliss, William R., loss of the steamer
Lexington, and the launching of
the frigate Confederacy, 150.

Bolivia, universities in, 152, 236.

Bombay, university in, T52.

Book Notices.— July— Mason's Early
Chicago and Illinois, 78 ; Guern-
sey's New York and Vicinity dur-
ing the War of 1812-15, vol. i., 78 ;
Volney's Ruins, 79 ; Pope's Life
and Voyages of. Jacques Cartier,
79 ; Loyalists' Centennial, 79 ;
Monte's West Point, a play, 80 ;
Bunker Hill Memorial Tablets,
80 : Michigan Pioneer and His-
torical Society Collections, vol.
xiv., 80.

A ugust— Lif e and Times of
Ephraim Cutler, 157 ; Backus
Genealogy, 157 ; Bancroft's Pacific
States, vol. xix., 158 ; Bynner's
Begum's Daughter, 159 ; Hawley
Records, 159 ; Memoirs of Gen.
Swift, 160.

September — Austin's Literary
Papers, 238 ; Britton's Civil War
on the Border, 238 ; Besant's Ar-
morel of Lyonesse, 239 ; Fernow's
Ohio Valley in Colonial Days,
239 ; Fiske's Midnight Talks at the
Club, 240 ; Pellew's Life of John
Jay, 240.

October — Thruston's Antiqui-
ties of Tennessee, 326 ; Archives
of Maryland, vol. viii., 326; Brym-
ner's Canadian Archives, 327 ;
Van Buren's Abraham Lincoln,
327 ; Seton Family of Scotland
and America, 327 : Vanderbilt's
Flatbush Reformed Church, 328 ;
Green's Greenville Baptist Church,
Leicester, Mass., 328; Southern
Historical Society Papers, vol.
xvii., 328.

November— Winsor's Narrative
and Critical History of America,
vol. viii., 408 ; Works of Hubert
Howe Bancroft, vol. xxxviii., 406 ;
Van Dyke's Millionaires of a Day,
407 ; Hunnewell's Illustrated Am-
ericana, 1493-1889, 407 ; Fiske's
Civil Government in the United
States, 408; Saint-Amand's Marie
Louise, 408.

December — Knox's Boy Trav-
elers in Great Britain, 484 ; Mont-
gomery's Leading Facts of
American -History, 484 ; Isham's
Prisoners of War and Military
Prisons, 484 ; Putnam's Tabular
Views of Universal History, 485 :
McConnell's American Episcopal
Church, 486.

Boston, Mass., the people of, de-
clared in rebellion, by parliament,
I775» 94 ; the colonial press of,
483-

Boston Recorder, second earliest re-
ligious newspaper, 402.

Bradford, Gov. William, first
Thanksgiving day, 1623, 445.

Brazil, universities in, 152, 236.

Britton, Wiley, The Civil War on the
Border, noticed, 238.

Brock, Gen. Sir Isaac, at the battle
of Queenston Heights, his death,
203.

Browne, William Hand. Archives of
Maryland, vol. viii., noticed, 326.

Brownson, Nathan, unpublished let-
ter of , to Col. Stirk, Feb. n, 1777,
146.

Brymner, Douglas, Canadian Ar-
chives, noticed, 327.

Buckley, E. Powell, the library of a
Philadelphian antiquarian, some
of its historic treasures, 388.

Buenos Ayres university, 152, 233,
234-

Bunce, Oliver Bell, death of, 76.

Bunker Hill Memorial Tablets, no-
ticed, 80.

Burgoyne, Gen. John, defeat and
surrender of, 40.

Burr, Aaron, characteristics of,
156-

Butler, Col. Zebulon, two unpub-
lished letters of, March 31, 1779,
and Sept. 4, 1780, to Gen. Hand
and Col. Blaine, 145.

Bynner, Fdwin L., The Begum's
Daughter, noticed, 159.

Vol. XXIV.-No. 6. -32

49°

INDEX

AIRO, Egypt, universities in,
234-

Calcutta, university in, 152, 233.

California, History of, noticed, 158 ;
the literature of, 399 ; The Great
Boom in Southern, noticed, 406.

Cambridge, Mass., the Indian col-
lege at, 33.

Canada, the battle of Queenston
Heights, Oct. 13. 1812, 203.

Canadian Archives, report of the,
noticed, 327.

Cartier, Jacques, life and voyages,
noticed, 79.

Central America, universities in, 152,
235-

Champlain, Gov. Samuel de, estab-
lishes fur trading posts in Canada,

447-

Chicago, 111.. History of, noticed, 78.

Childs, George W., recollections of
Gen. Grant, 220.

Chili, colleges in, 236.

Chillicothe, Ohio, first religious
newspaper in the world published
at, 402.

China, colleges in, 152, 235.

Chippewa, first steamboat built for
the navigation of the upper Mis-
souri river, her trial trip, 415.

Chittenden, Hiram M., the ancient
town of Fort Benton in Montana,

Christmas, poems on, 473.
Cincinnati, Ohio, view of, 1810,

107.
Clinton, DeWitt, and Daniel D.

Tompkins in the political arena,

73-

Clinton, Col. James, appointed to
the command of the first battalion
of New York militia, 99.

Clover, Rev. Lewis, letter of, re-
specting Durand's picture, the
capture of Maj. Andr£, 321.

Colden, Cadwallader D., letter to
Gov. Tompkins, Sept. 16, 1814,
accepting the appointment of col-
onel of N. Y. militia, 477.

Columbia, universities in, 152, 234.

Colton, A. M., our old Webster's
spelling-book, 466.

Confederacy, the frigate, 150,232.

Continental congress orders the
raising of riflemen, 189 ; organizes
the navy. 260 ; orders the adoption
of the flag, 270.

Cook, Capt. James, portrait of, 349.

Cooper, Rev. Myles, president of
King's college, portrait, 11.

Cordova university, 152, 233, 236.

Corea, colleges in, 235.

Costa Rica university, 235.

Coutant, R. B., M.D., the action at
Tarrytown, N.Y., ' 1781, heroism
of Capt. George Hurlbut, 358.

Craddock, Charles Egbert, the
mountains and mountaineers of
Craddock's fiction, 305.

Cresap. Captain Michael, in com-
mand of the Maryland riflemen,
190.

Cuba, university in, 152.

Cutler, Ephraim, early life in Ohio,
105, 107 ; life and times of, no-
ticed, 157.

Cuyo university, 152.

DAVIES, Andrew McFarlane,
Che Indian college at Cam-
bridge. 33.
Dawes, E. C, unpublished letter of

Levi Munsell, relative to the Ohio
lands, 224.

Deacon's wooing, the ; a Con-
necticut legend, 192.

Dead Man's island, and the ghost
ship, 212.

Del Monte, Leon, West Point, a
play, noticed, 80.

Depew, Chauncey M., the interna-
tional fair, 66.

De Peyster, Gen. J. Watts, the kit-
tereen, 72, 325 ; unpublished let.er
of Cadwallader Colden, 475.

Dexter, Timothy, the self-made
lord, 171 ; facsimile of autograph
attached to Mass. loan certificate,
173 ; view of his palace at New-
buryport, 174 ; portrait, 175 ; fac-
simile of his " Pickle for the
Knowing Ones," 177.

Dickerson, Mahlon, pioneer and pa-
triot, 405.

Dodge, Gen. Grenville M., anecdotes
of. 310.

Drouet genealogy, extracts from
the, 48.

Drummond, Gov. William, ancestry
of, 71.

Durand, Asher B., the painting, the
capture of Maj. Andrd, by, 321.

Durand, John, letter of, respecting
Durand 's picture, the capture of
Maj. Andre\ 321.

D wight, Theodore F., the depart-
ment of state, 404.

Dwight, Prof. Theodore W., the
American flag and John Paul
Jones, 269.

Dykman, f. O., the historic temple
at New Windsor, N. Y., 1783, 283.

ECUADOR, colleges in, 236.
Edict of Nantes, a poem, 139.

Egypt, universities in, 234.

Eliot, Rev. John, and his Indian
Bible, 483.

Ellery, Harrison, Memoirs of Gen.
Joseph G. Swift, noticed, 160.

Ellison, John, ancestry of, 81.

Ellison, Col. Thomas, his homestead
and stone house the headquarters
of Washington and Knox, 1779,
81, 82; services of, 82; letter to
Hugh Gaine, Nov. 1, 1757, in de-
fense of the militia of the province
of N. Y., 82 ; views of the home-
stead and stone house of, 83, 87,
89 ; portrait, 85 ; family of, 87 ;
death of, 99.

Ellison, Col. Thomas, Jr., extracts
from the letters of, to his father,
Sept. 5, 1765-Sept. 4, 1775, rela-
tive to the stamp act and the Am-
erican Revolution, 89-99 ; portrait,
93 : his residence in N. Y. city,
family of, 100.

Emmet. Thomas Addis, M.D., un-
published letters of Mary and
Martha Washington, 227.

Europe, American outgrowths of
continental, 337.

FERGUSON, Clement, Narragan-
sett bay, its historical associa-
tions, 112.

Fernow, Berthold, The Ohio Valley
in Colonial Days, noticed, 2 ;o.

Fiske, Amos K., Midnight Talks at
the Club, noticed, 240.

Fiske, John, Civil Government in
the U. S.. noticed. 40S.

Fitz-Gerald, David, the frigate Con-

federacy, 232; the battle of nations,.
325 ; Washington*s aid-de-camp,
479-

Flatbush, L. I., History of the Re-
formed Church, noticed, 328.

Ford, Paul Leicester, proposed new
edition of the, writings of Jefferson,
402.

Fort Benton, Montana, the ancient
town of, 409 ; view of, 413.

Fort Brule, Montana, origin of the
name, 412.

Fort Campbell, Montana, a trading-
post, 413.

Fort Chardron, Montana, estab-
lished as a trading-post, 413.

Fort Cotton, Montana, established
as a trading post, 413.

Fort MacKenzie, Montana, de-
stroyed by Indians, 412.

Fowler, Robert Ludlow, historic
homes and Revolutionary letters,
81.

Franklin, Benjamin, letters of, Sept.
8, 1782, and July 5, 1785, relative to
the treaty of peace, 440, 441.

Fraser, John, the battle of Queens-
ton Heights, Oct. 13, 1812, 203 ;
La Salle's homestead at La Chine,

_ 447- „

French- Canadian peasantry, i.. lan-
guage, customs, mode of life, food,
dress, 126; ii., general character-
istics, 291 ; iii., habits and mode
of life, 365.

Fur trading posts established in
Montana, 412, 414 ; in Canada, 447.

GARFIELD, James A., President
of U. S., his journey from
Washington to Elberon, N. J.,
July, 1881, 471.

Geography, and history, 150.

Gibbs, Mary V., glimpses of early
Michigan life in and about Kala-
mazoo, 457.

Goode, Prof. G. Browne, ancestors
of, contemporaries of Shakespeare,
218.

Grahame, James, Marquis of Mon-
trose, portrait, 344. *.

Grant, Gen. Ulysses S., soldier and
artist, 220.

Great Britain, The Boy Travelers
in, noticed, 484.

Greeley, Horace, member of con-
gress, 223.

Green, Rev. Thomas, D.D., The
Greenville Baptist church, noticed,
328.

Griswold, Roger, debate on the
Louisiana question, 230.

Guernsey, R. S., New York and
Vicinity during the War of 1812-15,
vol. i., noticed, 78.

HAINES, Ferguson, unpublished
letter of Robert Morris, 228 ;
of Thomas Jefferson, 475 ; the
author of the quotation '"To err
is human," 480.

Haldimand, Gen. Sir Frederick, ex-
tracts from the private diary of,
287.

Hall, Lyman, unpublished letter of ,
to Col. Stirk, Feb. 11, 1777, 146.

Hamilton, Col. Alexander, aid-de-
camp of Washington, 480.

Hammond, Col. Mainwaring, ances-
try of, 479.

Hancock, John, unpublished letter
of, 224.

INDEX

49]

Harrison. Col. Robert, aid-de-camp

to Washing-ton, 480.
Hartley. David, England's signer of

the definite treaty of peace,

1783, portrait. 409, 432 ; and the
American colonics, 426 ; facsimile
of his signature to the treaty, 426 ;
speeches of, in favor of the colo-
nies, 427, 434 ; facsimile of title-
page of his letters on the Ameri-
can war, 429 ; sketch of. 430 ; his
correspondence with Franklin re-
specting the affairs of the colonies,
438 ; letter to John Jay, March 2,

1784. on the treaty of peace, 442.
Hartley, Joseph W., David Hartley

and the American colonies, 426.

Harvey, Richard Selden, the true
story of an appointment, 115.

Havana, university in, 152, 233.

Hawkes, Nathan M., the Puritan
birthright, 354.

Hawley Family, noticed, 159.

Hayden, Rev. Horace Edwin, two
unpublished letters of Col. Zebu-
Ion Butler, 145.

Henderson, James, letter of, Oct.
7, 1759, on the death of Gen.
Wolfe, 148.

Henry, William, gunsmith, at Lan-
caster, Pa., 1744, 186.

Henry, William, jr., establishes gun
factory in Pa., 186.

Herrick, Rev. Samuel E., our rela-
tion to the past a debt to the fu-
ture, 54.

Holland Society, annual meeting,
election of officers, 154.

Hudson Bay, map of, 1748. 341.

Hunnewell, James F., Illustrated
Americana, 1493-1889, noticed, 407.

Hurl but, Capt. George, heroism of,
in the action at Tarrytown, N. Y.,
1781, 358.

T LLINOIS, History of, noticed, 78-

_L Independence, first steamboat on
the Missouri river, 415.

India, universities in, -52, 233.

Indians, college for, at Cambridge,
33 ; ancestry of the chief of the
Miamis, 45 ; at Wyoming. 145 ; sup-
plied with rifles, 186 ; burn Fort
Mackenzie. 412 ; murder boatmen
on the Missouri river, 414 ; Joh*n
Eliot and the, 483.

Iowa, the war governor of. 222.

Isham, A. B., Prisoners of War and
Military Prisons, noticed, 484.

Island of seven cities, 71.

JAPAN, universities in, 152, 235.
Jay, John, life of, noticed, 240.
Jefferson, Thomas, proposed new

edition of the writings of, 402;

letter of, to secretary of war. Sept.

5, 1801, on the petition of aprisoner,
_ 475-
Jones, Charles C, Jr.. unpublished

letter of Lyman Hall and Nathan

Brownson. 146.
Jones, John Paul, and the American

flag, 269.
Jones, Gen. Patrick H., services of,

223.

KALAMAZOO, Michigan,
glimpses of early life in and
about, 457.
Kansas, camp life in, 471 ; historical
society transactions, noticed. 485. '

Kephart, Horace, the rifle in colo-
nial times, 179.

King, Henry F., the deacon's woo-
ing, a Connecticut legend. 792.

King, Horatio, Our beloved flag, a
poem, 137.

Kirkwood, Samuel J., war governor
of Iowa, 223.

Kittereen, a two-wheel, one-horse
chaise, 72, ^25.

Knox. Col. Thomas W., Boy Travel-
ers in Great Britain, noticed, 484.

Knox, Gen. Henry, headquarters at
New Windsor, N.Y., 82, 87.

LACHINE, Canada, La Salle's
homestead at, 447.

Lamb, Mrs. Martha J., the golden
age of colonial New York, 1 ;
sketch of Maj.-Gen. Ebenezer
Stevens, 120 ; the two Croton
aqueducts of New York, 1842, 1890,
161 ; sketch of Judge Amasa J.
Parker, 197 ; Southold and her his-
toric homes and memories, 272 ;
American outgrowths of continen-
tal Europe, 337 ; poems on Christ-
mas, 473.

Lamson, Rev. D. F., a Sunday in
the olden time, Manchester, Mass.,
214; the Rev. Benjamin Tappan,
a typical old-time minister, 452.

Lancaster, Pa., rifles manufactured
at, 1719, 186.

La Salle, Robert Cavelier, sieur de,
his homestead at Lachine, 447.

Le Fevre, Philip, early gunsmith
of Pennsylvania, 186.

Leicester, Mass., Greenville Baptist
church, noticed. 328.

Leicester, N.Y., old powder horn
found at, 401.

Letters. Col. Ellison to Hugh Gaine,
Nov. 1, 1757, in defense of the
militia of the province of N. Y.,
82 ; Col. Ellison, Jr., extracts,
Sept. 5, 1765-Sept. 4, 1775, rela-
tive to the stamp act and .the
American Revolution. 89-99 ; Gov.
Tryon to Col. Ellison. March 10,
1774, respecting the N. Y. militia,
99 ; Gov. Tompkins to Gen. Stev-
ens, March 4, 1815, on the latter's
retirement from the office of major
general of artillery of N. Y., 122;
two unpublished letters of Col.
Butler, March 31, 1779, to Gen.
Hand, respecting his operations at
Wyoming ; and Sept. 4, 1780, to
Col. Blaine, in regard to provis-
ions, 145 ; joint letter of Lyman
Hall and Nathan Brownson, Feb.
11, 1777, to Col. Stirk, relative to
supplies, 146 ; James Henderson,
Oct. 7, 1759, on the death of Gen.
Wolfe, 148 ; John Hancock, April
14, 1787, to Gen. Knox, regarding
his visit to N. Y., 224 ; Levi Mun-
sell, Aug. 17, 1842, to Ephraim
Cutler, relative to Ohio lands,
1785-86, 224 ; Mary Washington.
July 2, 1760, to Joseph Ball, on
family affairs, 227 ; Martha Wash-
ington, Feb. 12, 1801, to Miss M.
WT Dandridge, on family affairs,
228 ; Robert Morris. March 5,
1791, to James Lovell. respecting
congress. 228 ; Lord Macaulay to
his sister, Oct. 24, 1848, relative to
his history of England, 237 ; cor-
respondence of John Durand and
Rev. Dr. Lewis Clover, Dec, 1848,

respecting Durand's picture of the
capture of Map. Andr£, 321 ; Wash-
ington to Mrs. Welsh. Dec. 8, 1788,
respecting the services of Capt.
Hurlbut, 36-2 ; Bismarck. July 6,
1890, 404 ; extracts of correspond-
ence of David Hartley and Frank-
lin, relative to the treaty of peace,
438, 441 ; David Hartley to John
Jay, 'March 2, 1784, on the treaty
of peace, 442 ; Jefferson to secre-
tary of war, Sept. 5, 1801, on the
petition of a prisoner, 475 ; Gen.
Schuyler to Col. Dayton, Aug. 8,
1776, on army affairs, 475 ; Cad-
wallader Colden to Gov. Tomp-
kins, Sept. 16, 1814, accepting the
commission of colonel of militia,
477-

Lexington, loss of the steamer, 150.

L'Hommedieu, Benjamin, view of
the home of. Southold, L. I., 279.

Lima university. 152, 233.

Lincoln, Abraham, humor of, 52 ;
prophecy of. 323; letters, addresses,
and messages of. noticed, 327.

Locke, David R., President Lincoln's
humor. 52.

Long Island sound, disasters on,
150.

Loudon, descendants, 232.

Loyalists' Centennial, souvenir, no-
ticed, 79.

McCONNELL, Rev. S. D., His-
tory of the American Episco-
pal Church, noticed, 486.

Macaulay, Lord, letter to his sister,
Oct. 24, 1848, relative to his his-
tory of England, 237.

Macon, Ga., prisoners of war of
1861 raise miniature U. S. flag,
478.

Madras, university in, 152.

Manchester, Mass., a Sunday in the
olden time, 214.

Marie Louise, Empress, and the De-
cadence of the Empire, noticed,
408.

Maryland riflemen organized, 1775,
189 ; Archives of vol. viii, noticed,
326.

Mason, Edward G., Early Chicago
and Illinois, noticed, 78.

Meade, Col. Richard K., aid-de-camp
to Washington, 480.

Mexico university, 235.

Meylin, Martin, gunsmith of Pa.,
1719, r36.

Miamis Indians, ancestry of the chief
of the, 45.

Michigan Pioneer and Historical
Society, Collections, vol. xiv.,
noticed, 80.

Michigan, glimpses of early life in,

457-

Midnight Talks at the Club, noticed,
240.

Millionaires of a day, 407.

Missouri river, navigating the up-
per, 409 ; views on the, 411 ; early
explorations of the, 412 ; trad-
ing-posts established. 412 ; early
freight traffic, 414 ; first steamboat
on the upper, 414 ; steamboats in-
troduced, 414, 415 ; view of two
steamboats on the, 415 ; descrip-
tion of a trip by steamboat on the,
416.

Montana, the ancient town of Fort
Benton, 409 ; trading-posts in,

492

INDEX

Montford, L. B., the three friends in

the poem, Tent on the Beach, 232.
Montgomery, D. H., Leading Facts

of American History, noticed, 484.
Montreal, fur traders, lines of travel

of the, 412.
Moore, Benjamin, view of the home

of, Southold, L. I., erected 1647,

272.
Moore, Thomas, Dead Man's island

and the ghost ship, a poem, 212.
Morocco, university in, 153.
Morris, George P. , facsimile of the

Croton ode by, sung at Croton

water celebration, N. Y. city, Oct.

14, 1842, 165.
Morris, Robert, unpublished letter

of, 228.
Morton, Henry, the battle of nations,

232.
Mother Goose in history, 480.
Motley, John Lothrop, extract of a

letter to his mother, on his history

of the United Netherlands, 70.
Moylen, Gen. Stephen, services and

ancestry of, 72, 153.
Munsell, Levi, unpublished letter

relative, -to, the Ohio lands, 224.

NARRAGANSETT bay, its his-
torical associations, 113.

Nations, battle of, 232, 325, 402.

Nazareth, Pa., gun factory estab-
lished near, 186.

Newdigate descendants, 232.

New England, intellect of, 148 ; the
Puritan birthright, 354 ; Thanks-
giving day, 1623, in, 445.

New South Wales, universities in,

233-

New York, fur traders, lines of
travel of the, 412.

New York city, the golden age of, 1 ;
the streets of, 1768, 35 ; residences
on Broadway, 4 ; Fort George, the
governor's residence, 5 ; houses
on Whitehall, Pearl, and Broad
streets, 5 ; Hanover square, the
business centre, 6 ; view of the
Garden street church, 7 ; resi-
dences in Wall street, 7 ; negroes
sold in, 8 ; view of the north Dutch
church, 9 ; the John street theatre,
10 ; King's college commencement
May 17, 1768, 10 •, public festivi-
ties, 14 ; Vauxhall and Ranelagh
gardens, 14 ; annual exhibition on
the site of the Astor house, 14 ;
dancing assembly, 14; view of the
Methodist church, John street, 15 ;
the merchants of, 16 ; chamber of
commerce, organized, 17 ; the city
hall, Wall street, 20; members of
the council and assembly, 20, 21 :
lawyers of, 22 ; population and
customs, 23 ; view of the fresh
water, present Centre street, 1768,
24 ; country seats, 25 ; legal holi-
days, 26 ; churches 28, 30 j during
the war of 1812-1815, 78 ; effect ot
the stamp act in 1765, 89 ; action
of the residents on the arrival of
the stamps, 90 ; celebrates the re-
peal of the stamp act, 91 ; soldiers
attempt to cut down liberty pole,
1770, 91 ; governor's house in the
fort, on fire, 1773, 91 : meeting of
merchants to have the duty on
tea repealed, 91 : proceedings of
assembly, 1775, 92 ; the non-con-
sumption of tea in, 94 ; favors a
continental congress, 94, 95 ; Capt.

Sears arrested, 94 ; meeting in
favor of closing the port of, 1775,
96; man-of-war Asia arrives, 97 ;
fast day, July 20, 1875, observed,
99 ; the two Croton aqueducts,
1842, 1890, 161 ; view of the Croton
water celebration, 1842, 163 ; fac-
simile of the Croton ode, sung
at city hall, Oct. 15, 1844, 165;
plan of, engraved on powder-
horn, 401 ; the colonial press of,

483-
New York Genealogical and Bio-
graphical Society, Oct. 10th, meet-
ing, paper on Mahlon Dickerson
of New Jersey, by J. C. Pumpelly,

4°5-

New York Historical Society, June
meeting, paper on comparative
view of Daniel D. Tompkins
and De Witt Clinton in the
political arena, by L. B. Proctor,
73 ; October meeting, paper on
the department of state, 404 ; No-
vember meeting, paper on the his-
toric name of our country, by
Prof. Moses Coit Tyler. 482.

New Windsor, N.J., Washington's
and Knox's headquarters at, 1779,
81, 82, 83, 87 ; the historic temple
at, 1783, 283.

New Zealand, war canoe of, 1769,
348.

Nicaragua, colleges in, 155, 235.

North America, universities in, 233,
235-

Northwest, incidents of forty years
ago, 123 ; fur company, 414.

Notes.— July— The Bay Psalm Book
ot 1640, 70 ; Washington attends a
bread and butter ball, 70 ; Motley
and the United Netherlands, 70 ;
Stephen Whitney, 70.

August— Intellect of New Eng-
land, 148 ; the death of Wolfe, 148 ;
geography and history, 150.

September — Roger Griswold in
the Louisiana debate, 1803, 230 ;
Alexander T. Stewart, 230 ;
Beecher as a humorist, 231.

October— Washington as a fox-
hunter, 323 ; Lincoln's prophecy,
323 ; Jonathan Sturges, 323.

November — Washington's intel-
lectual strength, 401 ; an old pow-
der-horn, 401 ; letters of Jefferson,
402.

December— The United States
flag, 478 ; industrial future of the
southj 478 ; Sir Walter Scott's love
of solitude, 479.

OGDEN, James de Peyster,
descendants of, 324.
Ohio, glimpses of log-cabin life in
early, 101 ; view of a log-cabin in,
104.
Ohio Land Company, 224.
Ohio Valley in colonial days, noticed,

239-

Old Oaken Bucket, author of, 480.

Oneida Historical Society, Sept. 29th
meeting, additions to library, 405 ;
Oct. 27th meeting, paper on the
colonial press of Boston and New
York, 483.

Original Documents.— Two unpub-
lished letters of Zebulon Butler,
March 31, 1779,10 Gen. Hand, re-
specting his operations at Wyo-
ming, and Sept. 4, 1780, to Col.
Blaine, in regard to provisions,

145 ; joint letter of Lyman Hall
and Nathan Brownson, Feb. n,
1777, to Col. Stirk, relative to sup-
plies, 146 ; letter from John Han-
cock, April 14, 1787, to Gen. Knox,
on personal affairs, 224 ; letter
from Levi Munsell, Aug. 17, 1842,
to Ephraim Cutler, respecting
Ohio lands, 1785-86, 224 ; letter
from Mary Washington, July 2,
1760, to Joseph Ball, on family
affairs, 227 • Martha Washington,
Feb. 12, 1801, to Miss M. W. Dan-
dridge, on family affairs, 228 ;
Robert Morris, March 5, 1791, to
James Lovell, relative to congress,
228 ; correspondence of John Du-
rand and Rev. Dr. Lewis Clover,
Dec, 1878, respecting Durand's
picture of the capture of Maj.
Andre 321 ; letters of Jefferson to
secretary of war, Sept. 5, 1801, on
the petition of a prisoner, 477 ;
Gen. Philip Schuyler to Col. Day-
ton, Aug. 8, 1776, on army affairs,
477 ; Cadwallader Colden to Gov.
Tompkins, Sept. 16, 1814, accept-
ing appointment of colonel of
militia, 479.
Our Beloved Flag, a poem, 137.

PARAGUAY university, 152, 234.
Parker, Judge Amasa J., por-
trait, 161 ; sketch of, 197.

Parkhurst, Rev. Charles H., D.D.,
portrait, 329 ; divinejdrift in human
history, 329.

Patton, Jacob Harris, the institution
of Thanksgiving day, 1623, 445.

Pe-che-wa, chief the Miamis Indians,
44 ; ancestry of, 45.

Peking University, 235.

Pellew, George, Life of John Jay,
noticed, 240.

Pennsylvania, rifles manufactured
in, 1719, 184, 186 ; riflemen organ-
ized, 1775, 189.

Pennsylvania Historical Society,
the collection of autograph letters
of Ferdinand J. Greer, presented
to the, 155.

Perry, Thomas Sergeant, translation
of Saint-Amand's Marie Louise,
noticed, 408.

Peru, universities in, 152, 236.

Philadelphia, Pa., the library of an
antiquarian of, some of its historic
treasures, 388.

Pierre, Dakota, first steamboat ar-
rives at, 414.

Poole, Murray Edward, universities
of the world, 152, 233.

Pope, Joseph, Life and Voyages of
Jacques Cartier, noticed, 79.

Porter. Rev. Edward G., John Eliot
and his Indian Bible, 483.

Powder- Horn of the Sullivan cam-
paign against the Indians, with
maps and views of New York and
Albany engraved on it, 401.

Presbyterian Banner and Weekly
Recorder, first religious newspa-
per, 402.

Prisoners of War, and Military Pris-
ons, noticed, 484.

Pumpelly, J. C, sketch of Mahlon
Dickerson of New Jersey, 405.

Puno university, 152.

Puritan birthright, the, 354.

Putnam, G. P., Tabular Views of
Universal History, noticed. 485.

INDEX

493

QUEENSTON Heights, Canada,
the battle of, Oct. 13, 1812,
203.
Queries. — July — William Drum-
mond, first governor of North Car-
olina, 71 ; first religious periodical
in the west, 71.

A ugust — Disasters on Long
Island sound, 150; portraits in
pastel, 151.

September— Tent on the Beach,
232 ; the battle of nations, 232 ;
Newdigate and Loudon descend-
ants, 232.

October— Descendants of James
de Peyster Ogden, 324 ; tablecloth
of Francis Willoughby, 324.

November — Author of the
phrase "To err is human, to for-
give divine,1' 402 ; the oldest of the
arts, 402.

December — Ancestry of Col.
Mainwaring Hammond, 479 ;
Washington's aids-de-camp, 479 ;
the original Mother Goose, 480.

RAINBOW falls, Missouri river,
views of, 411.

Reade, Vinton, sixty waymarks in
the world's progress, 142.

Religious newspaper, first, published
in the west, 71, 402.

Replies.— July— The island of seven
cities, 71 ; services of Stephen
Moylan, 72.

August— Origin of surnames,
152 ; universities of the world,
152 ; ancestry and services of Col.
Stephen Moylan, 153.

September — The frigate Con-
federacy■, 232 ; universities of the
world, 233.

October — Tent on the Beach, 324;
kittereen, 325 ; the battle of na-
tions, 325.

Nove7nber — First religious peri-
odical published in the west, 402 ;
the battle of nations, 402.

December— Author of quotation,
M To err is human, to forgive
divine," 480 ; Bryant, the author
of the Old Oaken Bucket, 480.

Revolutionary Newburgh, a poem,
382.

Rhode Island opposes the adoption
of the federal Constitution, 68.

Rhode Island Historical Society,
April 15th meeting, paper on a
branch of mechanical industry in
Rhode Island, by John A. C^ole-
man, 74 ; Oct. 7th meeting, reports
read, 404 ■ Nov. 4th meeting, paper
on John Eliot and his Indian Bible,
by Rev. Edward G. Porter, 483.

Richardville, John Baptiste, chief of
the Mi amis Indians, 44 ; ancestry
?f, 45-

Rifle, the, in colonial times, 179.

Robertson, R. S., ancestry of John
Baptiste Richardville, chief of the
Miamis Indians, 45.

Rochester Historical Society, May
9th meeting, paper on early trans-
portation, by George T. Moss, 74.

Rocky Mountain Fur Company or-
ganized, 413.

Roeser, Matthew, gunsmith at Lan-
caster, Pa., 1744, 186.

Rogers, Gen. Horatio, the opposi-
tion to the federal Constitution in
Rhode Island, 68.

Ruggles, Daniel B., the island of
seven cities, 71.

Runk, Rev. Edward J., Revolution-
ary Newburgh, a poem, 382.

Rupert, Prince, portrait, 343.

SAINT AMAND, Imbert de, Ma-
rie Louise, and the Decadence
of the Empire, noticed, 408.

St. John, N. B., Loyalists' Centen-
nial Souvenir, noticed, 79.

St. Louis fur traders, lines of travel
of the, 412.

San Salvador, university in, 152.

Santa Anna, Gen. Antonio Lopez,
portrait, 351.

Saratoga Monument Association,
25th annual meeting, election of
officers, 404.

Saugatuck Historical Society, April
meeting, name changed from the
Westport Historical Society to the,
election of officers, 155.

Schuyler, Gen. Philip, letter to Col.
Dayton, Aug. 8, 1776, on army
affairs, 475.

Scott, Sir Walter, his love of soli-
tude, 479.

Scott, Gen. Winfield, his remedy for
intemperance, 353.

Sears, Capt. Isaac, arrest of, 1775,
94.

Seton Family of Scotland and
America, noticed, 327.

Shakspeare, William, prospectus of
the first American edition of the
works of, 140.

Siberia, university, 233.

Simpson, Sir George, portrait, 347.

Singleton, Roy, Sir William Black-
stone and his work, 31 ; pleasure
parties in the northwest, 123.

Society of the Cincinnati, triennial
meeting, election of officers, j^.

Some literary statesmen, 467.

South, the industrial future of the,
478.

South America, universities in, 152,
233, 236.

Southampton, L. I., two hundred
and fiftieth anniversary of the set-
tlement of, 62.

Southold, L. I., historic homes and
memories, 1640-1890, 272 ; views of
the old Moore house, 272 ; the first
church, 275 ; Horton house, 276,
277 ; soldier's monument, 278 ;
L'Hommedieu house, 279.

Southern Historical Society Papers,
vol. xvii. noticed, 328.

Spencer, Emanuel, glimpses of log-
cabin life in early Ohio, 101 ;
the self-made Lord Timothy Dex-
ter, 171.

Spread Eagle, third steamboat to
navigate the upper Missouri river;
4*5-

Stamp act, extracts of letters rela-
tive to the, 1765, 89 ; repealed, 90.

Standish, Percy Cross, Burgoyne's
defeat and surrender, 40.

Steamboats introduced on the upper
Missouri river, 414, 415.

Stephens, W. Hudson, unpublished
letter of John Hancock, 224.

Stevens, Gen. Ebenezer, portrait,
81; sketch of, 120.

Stewart, Alexander T., characteris-
tics of, 230.

Stone, William L., unpublished let-
ter of Gen. Philip Schuyler, 475 ;

the colonial press of Boston and
New York, 483.

Storrs, Rev. Richard S., D.D., por-
trait, 241 ; sources and guarantees
of national progress, 241.

Sturges, Jonathan, anecdote of his
arrival in N. Y., 323.

Surnames, origin of, 152.

Swift, Gen. Joseph G., Memoirs of,
noticed, 160.

Sydney university, 233.

TAPPAN, Rev. Benjamin, a
typical old-time minister, 1720-
1790, 452 ; inscription on the tomb-
stone of, 456.

Tarry town, N. Y., the action at,
1781, 358.

Tea seized in New York city, 1774,
91 ; meeting of merchants for the
repeal of the duty on, 91 ; the non-
consumption of, agreed to in N.
Y., 1775, 94-

Tennessee, the mountains and moun-
taineers of Craddock's fiction, 304 ;
antiquarian riches of, 319 ; antiqui-
ties of, 326.

Tent on the Beach, the tnre^ friends-
of the poem, 232, 324.

Thanksgiving day, the institution
of, 1623, 445.

Thruston, Gates P.. The antiquities
of Tennessee, noticed, 326.

Tilghman, Col. Tench, aid-de-camp
to Washington, 480.

Tokio university, 235.

Tom Stevens, first steamboat to reach
the highest point on the Missouri
river, 415.

Tompkins, Daniel D., and De Witt
Clinton in the political arena, 73 ;
letter to Gen. Stevens on the res-
ignation of the latter from the
office of mai'or-general of artillery,
122.

Trujillo university, 152.

Tryon, Gov. William, letter to Col.
Ellison, March 10. 1774, respecting
a regiment of N. Y. militia, 99.

Turkey, colleges in, 153, 233.

Turner, D., Dead Man's island and
the ghost ship, 212.

Tyler, Prof. Moses Coit, the historic
name of our country, 482.

UNITED STATES, the depart-
ment of state, 404 ; civil govern-
ment in the, considered, with some
reference to its origins, 408 ; fac-
simile of the signatures to the
definitive treaty of peace, 1783,
426 ; the historic name of, 483.
United States navy, organized, 269.
Universities of the world, 152, 233.

VAN BUREN, G. M., Abraham
Lincoln's letters, addresses, and
messages to congress, noticed, 327.

Vandersmith, John, early gunsmith
of Pa., 186.

Van Dyke, T. S., Millionaires of a
Day, noticed, 407.

Vanderbilt, Mrs. Gertrude L., His-
tory of Reformed Church, Flat-
bush, noticed, 328.

Vedder. Rev. Charles S., D.D., the
edict of Nantes, a poem, 139.

Verendrye, Chevalier de la, gov-
ernor of Quebec, explores the up-
per Missouri river, 412.

494

INDEX

Virginia riflemen organized, 1775,

189.
Volney, C. F., The Ruins, noticed,

79-

WAR of 1812, New York and
Vicinity during the, noticed,
78 ; the battle of Queenston
Heights, 203.

War of 1861, The Civil War on the
Border, noticed, 238 ; anecdotes of
Gen. Grenville M. Dodge, 310;
Lincoln's prophecy, 323 ; prison-
ers at Macon, Ga:, raise the U. S.
flag, 478 ; Prisoners of War and
Military Prisons, noticed, 484.

Warburton, Albert, the original
Mother Goose in history, 480.

Washington, George, attends a ball
at Alexandria. Va., 70; headquar-
ters at New Windsor. N. Y., 1779,
81, 83 ; meets his officers in the

temple at New Windsor, 284 ; as a
fox-hunter, 323 ; two letters, Dec. 8,
1788, to Mrs. Welsh relative to the
services of Capt. Hurlbut, her
brother, ^62 ; intellectual strength
of, 401 ; aids-de-camp of, 479.

Washington, Martha, unpublished
letter of, 228.

Washington, Mary, unpublished let-
ter of, 227.

Webb, Col. Samuel B., aid-de-camp
to Washington, 480.

Webster, Noah, spelling-book, 465.

Weekly Recorder, first religious
newspaper published, 402.

Weeks, Stephen B., ancestry of Gov.
William Drummond, 71.

West Indies, universities in, 152, 233.

West Point, an historical play, no-
ticed, 80.

Western Reserve Historical Society,
annual meeting, election of offi-
cers, 155.

Westport Historical Society, name
changed to the Saugatuck His-
torical Society, 155.

Williams, John S., one of the early
settlers in Ohio, describes the
building of a log cabin, 102.

Williams, Roger, the story of , retold,
312.

Willoughby, Gov. Francis, table-
cloth of, 324.

Winsor, Justin, Narrative and Criti-
cal History of America, vol. viii.,
noticed, 406.

Wolfe, Gen. James, the death of, 148.

World's progress, sixty waymarks
in the, 142.

Wright, E. W., the author of the
quotation, " To err is human," 480.

YELLOWSTONE, first steam-
boat to navigate the upper Mis-
souri river, 414.

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